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DYS hosts 14th Parent Leadership workshop
The Department of Youth Services, in conjunction with Parents Anonymous Inc., hosted the 14th Annual Parent Leadership Development Workshop last Feb. 23 at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.
Over 40 parent leaders were recognized at the event.
Every public school across the CNMI, including Tinian and Rota, were invited to nominate at least two parents who have shown outstanding leadership roles in school or the community.
According to Division of Youth Services administrator Vivian Sablan, the purpose of the workshop is not just to recognize the parents who have showcased exemplary leadership skills, but also to bring resources to parents and to community members who wish to avail of the leadership skills taught during the workshop.
Sablan said it was decided this year that the event would be held on a Friday instead of a Saturday and to cut the day short to maximize the amount of services delivered.
The workshop started at 8am and ended at 12pm with various divisions of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs putting up exhibits and organizations showcasing their outreach programs. Other government and non-government groups also put up informational booths.
The workshop featured three different speakers who taught participants about outreach programs on Saipan, including parenting strategies, health and chronic diseases, emergency planning, and teen parenting. The featured speakers were Maternal and Child Health Bureau administrator Heather Pangelinan, Systems of Care and Child Behaviors lead therapist Kimberly Mendiola, and Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems project specialist Tom Thornburgh.
A little over 130 parents were present for this year’s workshop. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks were provided. There was also a raffle for prizes.
