FIA and Altar Servers Association
team up for Vacation Programme

The afternoon of Saturday 27th saw the close of the vacation programme of the Pointe-a-Pierre Altar Servers Association (PAPASA) at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Pointe-a-Pierre. The PAPASA collaborated with Families in Action to conduct a vacation programme for the altar servers from the parish of St. Peter’s. This initiative was spearheaded by President of the association, Courtney Lezama and Administrative Manager of Families In Action, Elizabeth Spence.

For five Saturdays the group had gathered in the Parish Hall of St. Peter’s church nestled in the lush surroundings and with Facilitators from Families In Action, explored issues of personal development. The fifth and final session for the participants took place with the presence of St. Peter’s parish priest Father Spence, President of the PAPASA, Courtney Lezama, Managing Director of Families in Action, Ivis Gibson, Administrative Manager, Elizabeth Spence, parents of the participants and other personnel from Families In Action. This was immediately followed by a warm closing ceremony.

During the programme, the participants, led by FIA’s Peer Counselling Facilitators, Lynette Sampson, Leekeesha Duncan and Rachael George, examined issues relating to Sexuality, Spirituality, Anger Management and learned skills in Conflict Resolution and Communication. Although the participants ranged in ages from 11 to 19, the variety of techniques used by the facilitators allowed everyone to be included. The result was a dynamic learning experience, while still being relaxed and fun. The participants engaged in role plays, skits, games, group activities, focused discussions and even a treasure hunt whose final clue pointed to a prize of a spiritual nature.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Sherwin Lera, a participant from St. Peter’s Catholic Church says he, “enjoyed every bit of it.” He noted that the facilitators, “made the programme very [understandable] for all of us and brought the facts down to earth.”

At the closing ceremony, both Lezama and Father Spence expressed their great satisfaction with the programme and thanked Families in Action for their work with the youth.