How churches are shielding youths from idleness in Zombo

Zombo: In a proactive effort to keep youths engaged during the long holidays, churches in Zombo have continued to organize youth training programs, fellowships, crusades, and other activities aimed at shielding them from the increasing social vices of teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and idleness.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zombo has recorded over 12,000 cases of teenage pregnancies and early marriages, a situation that has alarmed local stakeholders.

The growing rate of these issues has led to a collective call for concerted efforts from religious, cultural, and political leaders to address the root causes. These issues have contributed to high school dropout rates in the region.

One of the key initiatives in response to these challenges is an ongoing crusade and fellowship at St. Paul Church of Uganda, Mvungu, in Paidha Town Parish, Goli Central Archdeaconry, Nebbi Diocese.

The church leaders are using this event to preach the word of God, as well as to impart moral teachings to both parents and youths.

Rev. Isaac Rwothomio, the Parish Priest of Paidha Town Parish Church of Uganda, emphasized the importance of these organized events during his sermon last Sunday.

He urged the youths not to take the church’s programs lightly, highlighting their core benefits to their lives during the holidays. He cautioned the youth against engaging in destructive activities like discos, fornication, and negative peer influences, urging them to live a Godly life during the holidays.

These church activities are particularly targeted at youths who are more vulnerable to teenage pregnancies and early marriages. The church aims to provide an alternative to the idle time that can lead to such social issues.

In Ukuru Archdeaconry, the youth department is set to begin its rotational youth fellowships in January. Denis Donge, the General Secretary of the Ukuru Archdeaconry Youth Department, explained that the fellowship will rotate monthly among various parishes, with Warr Alia Parish being the first stop.

These fellowships aim to engage the youth in constructive activities that promote personal development and spiritual growth.

Kubi Innocent, a youth from Ukuru Archdeaconry, shared that the monthly fellowships provide an opportunity for youths to interact with one another, learn from peers, and stay away from distractions like discos.

Other Christian churches in Zombo are equally engaged in organizing youth activities like trainings and fellowships. These efforts are all aimed at addressing the high school dropout rate and steering youths away from destructive behaviors.

Mungujakisa Ivan, a student at Memorial Secondary School and a member of St. Paul Church, expressed how helpful these events are in fostering interaction and learning among peers. “It keeps us away from discos and helps us engage in meaningful activities,” he said.

Acen Jolly, a youth from Paidha Town Parish, shared that she and her peers have been busy for the past week with church activities, stating, “I don’t know what’s happening in disco halls because we’ve been so occupied.”

The King of Alur, His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, also addressed the issue in his New Year message. He assured his subjects of various upcoming events aimed at raising awareness among the youth about the dangers of teenage pregnancies and early marriages. The Kingdom will leverage activities like sports to effectively communicate these messages.

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