YouthPREPLink Level 2 ~ (Day 1 - 2)

By DS / st

SANDAKAN : YouthPREPLink Level 1, a 7-day stay-in program was held at St. Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan from 1st - 7th April. YPL 1 focused more on self-discovery and equipping them with the right knowledge and skill when they pursue tertiary education away from home. The program attracted some 32 participants from Sandakan, Telupid and Tawau. Last 6th to 12th May 2013, the same number of participants from YPL Level 1 joined YouthPREPLink Level 2, held at St. Paul's Church Ulu Dusun some 50 km from Sandakan. YPL 2 focused on polishing the leadership skill of the participants, reaching out to those in need and to raise awareness among participants regarding current issues confronting young people.

On the first day, 6th May 2013, participants arrived at noon and went straight to pitch their tents and set up their cooking place. Even though the weather was hot, it did not at all dampen their spirit. It was simply marvelous to witness the young people joining forces to get things moving. Each did what was assigned and before sunset all were put up in place.Their bonding is a sign of authentic friendship. At the same time their leadership skill was unleashed.

A video presentation on the recap of YPL Level 1 was shown during dinner time, bringing back memories of its fun times, joy and hopes. This was followed by a session on expectation check where most shared on the excitement and eagerness to participate in the outreach project and the sessions lined up in YPL 2. The night did not end there. The first YPL Council (big group) meeting was held. Here, participants chose their own Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and all other office bearers. All members of the YPL Council were assigned to  specific tasks for the whole program. The Main Organizing Team (MOT) would remain as observers and  voice out their comments as and when necessary and required during the big group meeting. At the same time, participants were divided into two smaller groups for the outreach project. The night came to an end with a Closing Prayer at around 10.30 pm..

On the second day, 7th May 2013 the group on duty woke up at 4.00 am and started cooking for the whole big group. It was tedious but fulfilling for it was a response to the call of duty and responsibility. The day started with body prayer led by Anna Teresa, followed with home made breakfast. The two groups were asked to plan out a program (English lesson) for the youths and children during the outreach project in Sakilan Desa and Jaya Bakti, located a short distant from Ulu Dusun. 

In the afternoon, participants joined the outdoor activity called,"Row, row, row your boat". They were asked to be in their groups and everyone was to stand on two feet on the two parallel logs provided. They were supposed to walk on the logs and bring it to the finishing line without their feet touching the ground. The leaders would give clear instructions and pull the logs to the front each time they lifted their feet. From this game, they could  relate it to their life; are they the ones who would just follow even though they would not agree or are they the ones  who would lead or are they the ones who would voice out when things go wrong.

The evening session on "Social Realities And Social Teaching of The Church" was facilitated by Francis Tan. The two hour session,  began with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10 : 25 - 37) challenging the  youths to draw the line between helping and turning way.  He touched on Mother Teresa's 'Gospel on Five Fingers' based on Matthew 25 : 31 - 46,  'You did it for me' the words from Judgement Day, reaching out to the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick and the imprisoned. The participants were briefed on the seven key themes of the Social Teaching ; Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community and Participation, Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, The Dignity of Work and the Right of Workers, Solidarity and Care for God's Creation. Participants were reminded of 1 Timothy 4 : 12, 'Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Before calling it a night, everyone was asked to reflect and discern on what happened during the whole day and the invitation from God for each member. They responded and shared their hopes and dreams in the big group. It was a very fruitful day and indeed the Holy Spirit  had moved them to the right direction, the path of the Lord.