Shandy Chakko SVD
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of a Values Education Program on the grade six school-leavers at Watuluma Catholic Parish in the Alotau Diocese of Papua New Guinea. The program was introduced in 2002 and was trialed with youths at Watuluma Parish by the Catholic Church. The study also explored the reasons why the formal education system was failing these children and how the youth can be provided with a better system. One hundred and eighteen youths, grade six dropouts, both boys and girls, were put through this program. The program was designed to promote awareness of educational values and then introduce them in the students’ everyday life. Of the thirty values taught, the participants considered six to have been particularly influential – Creativity, Priority, Achievement, Confidence, Responsibility and Respect. After two years, the assessment revealed that Values Education Program was relevant to the needs of the youth by bringing practical and beneficial skills to them.
Return to Volume 2 - DWU Research Journal
