A total of 26 ministerial leaders from the Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral in the Diocese of Central Melanesia (DoCM) have successfully completed a five-day Positive Parenting Training, aimed at equipping them with essential skills to strengthen family life, build relationships, and nurture children in faith and love.
The training, which commenced on Monday 30th June and concluded on Friday 4th July, was initiated by the various ministries at the Cathedral, including the Men’s Fellowship, Choir, Sunday School, Girls Friendly Society (GFS), and the Office of the Dean and Rector.
The program was facilitated by the Provincial Mother’s Union, in partnership with Lady Mary Vunagi, a long-time advocate for Christian parenting and family development within the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
In an interview with Mrs. Sandra Rollands, she emphasized that Positive Parenting is not only about skills, but also about spiritual formation and nurturing relationships at home that reflect the values of Christ.
“Parents are the first teachers of faith and love. By empowering them, we strengthen the church from the household level,” she said.
The vision of the Positive Parenting Program is to: Encourage parents in their roles and increase the stability of family life; Inspire parents to raise their children in the faith and life of the Church; And promote conditions in society that are favorable to stable family life and the protection of children.
Its mission is clear and timely: “To equip communities to expand their parenting skills, build relationships, and contribute to the stability of family life in society.”
The training aimed to deliver on the following objectives: To establish a supportive community network that encourages parents in their roles; To empower parents to understand and respond to the developmental needs of their children; And to support families in addressing the social challenges that impact modern parenting.
Participants are now expected to return to their homes, families, and ministries to apply what they have learned, and to act as ambassadors of the Positive Parenting message within their communities.
As the program concludes, the leadership at Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral expresses hope that such initiatives will spark wider church and community involvement in promoting healthy, faith-filled, and stable family life in the Solomon Islands.