Youths from different Myanmar Churches recently completed a program that organizers hope would give them leadership skills and help them promote ecumenism.

Thirty-five young Christians attended the 15th National Ecumenical Youth Leadership program in Yangon from July 19-25, organized by the Myanmar Council of Churches (MCC).

Moral values, education, youth and sex were among the topics covered during the program.

“Our youth have low self-confidence and a weak community spirit. We do expect our future leaders to improve their capacity building and learn about mutual understanding and respect,” said Aung Zaw Hteik, secretary of MCC’s Youth Department.

“Our Christian youth leaders need to change, improve their knowledge and acquire new ideas,” said Maran Hkum San, youth director of the Myanmar Baptist Convention.

Participants agreed.

“By observing what is happening in the modern world, it is time for us to join hands to improve society and fulfill the needs of our people,” said Hni Thet, a woman participant.

Another participant said he took part to learn about the work of other Churches.

“I wanted to learn more about.. what other Christian youths are doing to improve their ministry. I’ll use that knowledge to improve my Church’s own activities,” said Philip Hpone Kyaw Lin, an Anglican.

With the skills and knowledge they have received, participants are now expected to serve not only their Church but society as well, said Kaythi Min Din, one of the trainers in the program.

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MY10527.1612