By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Head Coordinator of Children Ministry, Catholic Church of the Twelve Apostles, Abuja, Lady Therese Obieke has observed that the society can be rid of hatred and violence when families inculcate in their children the virtues of love, compassion and discipline.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Parish in Collaboration with the Legal Aid Initiative (PLAI) at the weekend, Obieke pointed out that “our society today is devoid of consideration for the next person, hence the value chain of violence and hatred.
According to her, “It is therefore the responsibility of the family to tailor these children on the path of love, compassion, some air of freedom and discipline”.
The Cordinator also stated that good parenting has been an important factor in raising children in the home, as children are a critical and vital unit in a family, community, but often time society look down on children, though they want to be carried along significantly because they are the youth of tomorrow and adult of next tomorrow.
She said, “But remember that in this digital world of ours, there is no limit to a child’s knowledge. During the dialogue, in the earlier children and youth clinic, organized here in the parish, children participated and asked questions.
“The value of communication and connectedness with our children will elicit the confidence and trust that will make them ambassadors of good families.
I welcome and appreciate all our supportive parents, together we will build our children with love for a better tomorrow”.
The Coordinator commended, the Parish Priest, Rev Father Vincent Ogunsoro, the CEO and promoter of PLAI, Mr Henry Leigh among others for their unflinching support which led to the success of the seminar and talk show.
Children between the ages of eight and 17 years participated the event at which various speakers highlighted the Rights of a child as provided by the law and as upheld by the United Nation’s convention on child’s rights to life, education, health.
Topics for discussion included, “Child’s Rights and Family Values” by Barr. Amuche Onyedum-Anya”; “Family Responsibilities and Challenges in the Changing times” by Dr. Helena Hart.
Similarly, topics discussed by Panelists were (a) What are the Challenges/Dangers encountered by Children whose parents substitute their parental guide with all sorts of electronic gadgets, such as TV subscriptions, PlayStation console, etc;
(b) What advice can you suggest to the parents on how to create quality time for their children?
