Reaching Out To The Marginalized

Representatives from Diocese of Sandakan

Sandakan : Five representatives from the Diocese of Sandakan attended a one day seminar on understanding the realities of children and youth in Sabah and Sarawak on Saturday, 12^th June 2009 at the Catholic Diocesan Centre, (CDC) Kota Kinabalu. A total of 30 participants took part in the seminar which was organized by the Archdiocesan Human Development Commission of Kota Kinabalu (AHDC) and facilitated by Brother Anthony Rogers FSC, the Executive Secretary, Office for Human Development, Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC).

Group discussion1

Group discussion2

The input and small group discussion sessions gave an insight to the realities of the children and youth in difficult circumstances and allowing participants to explore alternative possibilities in reaching out and touching them, especially in the field of education.

The exchange of experiences by representatives of NGOs and FBOs in providing educational services to this group of young people on the margins or outside the formal education was indeed enriching. Their cries and anguish are getting louder. Their sufferings are more visible. The seminar has opened up a vast horizon for all who are very much involved in pastoring to help them to rediscover their dignity and right as children of God.

By DS