VEIFA'A YOUTH CONGRESS
DATE: 17TH - 22ND OCTOBER, 2010
VENUE: AIPEANA VILLAGE
THEME: BE A SYMBOL OF HARMONY AND PEACE
1. INTRODUCTION:The Veifa'a Youth Congress was organised by the Veifa'a Parish from 17th - 22nd October, 2010 at Aipeana Village to PROMOTE PEACE, HARMONY AND UNITY through activities such as sports, debates, Bible quizzes, Gospel songs, Arts/Dramas, musical dances and string band competition. About six Catholic Communities from Veifa'a Parish plus three (3) other Parishes from the Coastal Deanery also participated.
Be a symbol of Harmony and Peace." The four-day Youth Congress of Veifa'a Parish held at Aipeana bannered this theme. Youths from the different parts of the parish and Bereina Diocese came to share talents, foods, ideas, stories and laughter. Bishop Rochus Tatamai,,MSC,DD presided the Eucharistic Celebration in the Church to open the Congress. Youths proceeded to Aipeana after the Mass. Official speeches were delivered from the platform. Among the guest speakers were the parish youth coordinator, Louis Akaina, the Secretary of the West Mekeo Chiefs' Association, the Youth Chaplain of the Diocese, Fr. Rey Caigoy, O.Carm. and the Hon MP Paru Aihi - Member for Kairuku-Hiri.
The young people continued with sports. They formed teams and played volleyball, basketball and rugby-touch, In the evening they prayed rosary and proceeded to "Praise and Worship" sponsored by the different prayer groups of Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Veifa'a parish. Anne Marie Longe, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator rendered an input on Youth Identity.
Debates on problems and issues that affected the youth were expressed through the debate program. Bible Quiz was also done. All these activities were interspersed with String-band contest, Musical Drama contest, and two-minute drama presentations.
The participation of young people together with the elders and children swelled every evening. The elders and the chiefs of Aipeana were very happy. It was more than 10 years that nothing like this was done inside the village. The tone set by the Youth Congress was indeed making Harmony and Peace alive in the midst of our Young People.
2. PROGRAM:The program officially started with Reverend Bishop Rochus Tatamai (MSC) - Bishop of Bereina Diocese and also the Bishop Deputy for Youth in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands who celebrated the Holy Eucharist at St. Paul's Church Veifa'a.
After the Holy Eucharist Fr. Mlak - our Radio - Voice of Peter ToRot Media Specialist interviewed the Veifa'a Parish Youth Coordinator and the Diocesan Youth Coordinator.
The Youth marched from St.Paul's Parish Church Veifa'a to Aipeana Village for the Official Opening which was done by the Member for Kairuku Hiri - Hon. Paru Aihi. He stated that he supports Spiritual activities as other activities as well therefore; the Veifa'a Youth Congress was a program he wanted to support as it was going to benefit the young people and the community as a whole.
After the week long program, all the youth groups that participated received trophies, medals from PNG Trophy Haus while the consolation prizes were donated by Sr. Geraldine Arua (FDNSC) - HIV/AIDS Secretary. The Louis Vangeke Shield was won by the youth from Veifa'a Catholic Community.
3. FUNDING:
Honourable Member - Mr. Paru Aihi spent K2,500.00 on the trophies and another K2,500.00 on food stuff for this week-long event. He therefore spent K5,000.00 towards this Congress. All the groups that took part in the Congress paid K100.00 registration fees as a contribution towards this program.
4. CONCLUSION:
This Youth Congress was the first of it's kind to be hosted in a community like Aipeana Village and it had a great impact on those who participated in it. New networks and friendships were created, exchange of ideas and many more other positive signs for future hope.
According to the Youth Chairman of St. Andreas Youth Group of Aipeana Village - Joe Paul Ame, this Youth Congress was an eye - opener to him. Joe is only twenty - six (26) years old and with the assistance from his Working Team of twenty (20) members he expressed that having to host this program in his village is an experience he will never forget. There are forty (40) young people who are active members of St. Andreas Aipeana Youth Group and they all cooperated well to host this congress. He has learned many things during the Congress and he is able to learn many more in the near future.
5. VOTE OF THANKS:
On behalf of the Youth Desk I wish to extend our most sincere thanks to our Honourable Member for Kairuku Hiri - Mr. Paru Aihi, Reverend Bishop Rochus Tatamai - Bishop of Bereina Diocese and Bishop Deputy for Youth in PNG & Solomon Islands, Veifa'a Parish Priests -, Frs. Albert Boudaud and Evan Koae, Diocesan Youth Chaplain - Fr. Ray Coigay, Sr. Geraldine Arua - HIV/AIDS Secretary, Veifa'a Parish Youth Leaders, Aipeana Catholic Community, Chiefs and Councillors, the participating Veifa'a Parish Communities, Kanosia, Bereina and Inauaia Parishes for their participation and most of all to St. Andreas Youth Group of Aipeana Village for their hospitality during this Congress.
Thank you
Anne Marie Longe 26th October, 2010
Youth Coordinator