A weeklong Positive Parenting Training of Trainers was officially opened at the All-Saints Parish Mothers Union Hall in the Diocese of Central Melanesia (DoCM), Honiara, on Monday morning.
The training brings together around twenty women and men leaders from the Diocese of Guadalcanal and the Diocese of Central Melanesia, Christian Care Centre and the Provincial Mothers Union Office.
The program is organized by the Provincial Mothers Union Office of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. Its main purpose is to train selected leaders who will later return to their parishes, vestries and church groups to teach and guide other parents in their communities.
The purpose of the training is to; train Facilitators to work with Parents; to equip all trained Facilitators to establish Parenting Groups; to enable Parents receive mutual support, and encouragement, and extend their Parenting skills; and to recognize the impact that Stable Family Life can contribute to the development of the wider community.
Lead facilitator, Lady Mary Vunagi said; the Positive Parenting Program is one of the best program if reach out to all families, communities and parishes; it would help reduce or even stop the rising social problems involving young people today.
She explained that many of these problems begin in the home, where there may be poor communication, lack of guidance and weak family support.
Lady Vunagi encouraged other churches, the national government and non-government organizations to support the program and help roll the program out across the country. “Building strong families is everyone’s responsibility and working together is the key to protecting the next generation.” She concluded.
In her official opening address, Provincial Mothers Union President Sandra Rollands thanked Lady Mary and other supporting facilitators, participants, and partners who made the training possible.
“Your dedication to strengthening families and promoting the well-being of children shows your strong commitment to Christian values.” She said.
She encouraged the participants to take the training seriously, work together and become agents of change in their communities.
As trainers, the participants are expected to share knowledge, build confidence in parents and guide families through caring and supportive parenting practices.
Positive parenting is a way of raising children with love, respect and clear guidance. It focuses on good communication, setting clear rules, encouraging good behaviour and teaching children responsibility. Instead of harsh punishment, it helps parents guide their children through understanding, patience and consistent support.
The Positive Parenting Program is important because it helps parents deal with common challenges in raising children. When children grow up in safe and loving homes, they are less likely to become involved in violence, substance abuse, crime and other harmful behaviours. Strong families create strong communities.
For Solomon Islands, where communities are facing many social pressures, this program can play a key role in building a better future. Rolling it out nationwide would help strengthen homes, support churches and develop responsible young people who can lead the country forward.
Also speaking at the opening, Reverend Nelson Bako, Mission Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, thanked the Mothers Union for organizing the training.
He said the church is proud of this initiative and believes the trainers will carry the message back to their families, parishes and church groups.
He added that training local leaders is a wise step because it ensures the program will continue and grow within communities.
The training will continue throughout the week with lessons, group discussions and practical sessions aimed at strengthening families and creating positive change across communities.