Animators currently undergoing training at the Osogbo Diocesan School of Youth Animators are set to conclude their six months training by the end of October 2024. 

The recent gathering between 27 and 28 September marks their fifth of total six scheduled appearances. They commenced the training since June this year. At the 5th phase, the Salesian Fr Felix Olamide explored the Church’s Document on ‘Christus Vivit’ as it relates to making Christ alife in the lives of the youths while stressing the importance of their vitality, creativity and contribution to the faith.   

He educated that the Church values the service of young people hence she is fast adapting to the changing needs of young people. To animators, Fr Olamide proffered listening and accompaniment as crucial elements for vocational discernment of the young ones. Some of the concerns discussed at the training focused on the things hindering Christ's message in the lives of the young people of today and how the Church could help the young people in their present reality. 

Fr. Felix Olaniyan on ‘Reporting Abuse’ educated animators on importance of reporting abuse. While dealing with abuse circumstance, the priest noted that the chain of abuse consists of four major actors: The abused who is the victim, the abuser who is the victimiser, the hero who show concerns - helping in the situation and then those who do not care despite having knowledge of the abuse. Interchangeably, he noted that while a victim can also become an abuser due to the fallout from victimisation, it takes special intervention to recover fully from abuse. When dealing with abuse situation, animators were encouraged to detach themselves totally from the situation.  

Dr Ibigbami tutored on building relationship through mentally healthy conversations. He realized that one person’s source of stress in a means for relaxation of another. As he emphasized that a mentally healthy person contributes to the society, he considers mental health as a relative effect but not absolute. Having considered - enhancement, prevention and provision of support as components of mentally healthy conversation, the likes of shame, fear of judgement or rejection, emotional intelligence and cultural norm were considered as barrier of mentally healthy conversation. In order to have a mentally healthy conversation, Dr Ibigbami encouraged animators to create a physically safe place, trust, set boundaries and hold confidentiality. Encouraging good behaviour and ongoing formation were prescribed as support mechanism for mental health disorder. 

Fr Ambrose Olasinde continued on Church’s doctrines while analysing and emphasizing on the ten commandments, including the beatitude as it relates to the Church.