About 90 youths from the three Catholic parishes from the Diocese of Gizo have benefited from the Youth Encounters (YE) Seminar; which was facilitated by a Diocesan youth coordinator Mr. Kolody, and the assistant parish priest from Gizo parish Fr. Dominic Soloko.

The seminar commenced on the 6th to 8th at Christ the King parish Voruvoru at Sariana village and accommodated 2 other weekends for the St. Don Bosco Taro at Rabakela village from 21st to 23rd, and on the 27th to 29th of August was for the St. Joseph parish Moli, Moli pastoral center.

An ongoing YE formation program for the Catholic Youths around Southwest Choiseul province to encounter themselves with other youth participants that may enable them to identify who they are; to their community and their Church, and a process to develop a good relationship with Christ and others, and to become a good citizen for their country.

12 session activities commenced with bringing the participants into a family, preparing them to understand the Bible passages, undergo an initial self-evaluation, and experience initial togetherness.

One of the principal key elements is to have participants understand the Bible passages, feel positive in the midst of their problem, and experience the support of others through sharing, prayer, and meditation.

In conclusion, facilitators, have the participants revise their faith-vision of life in the light of their encounter experience as a young people of the church, express their faith commitment in the form of practical steps to be taken upon re-entry and confirm their faith-vision and commitment with the celebration of the Eucharist and in presence of the parishioners.