Six psychosocial technicians have graduated from St. Joseph Oasis in Tiko; a center for hope and healing, aimed at supporting and empowering vulnerable persons and those suffering from mental health issues and trauma. Instituted by Sisters of St Therese of the Child Jesus, this 19th day of December marked the maiden graduation ceremony of psycho-clinical Technicians of St. Joseph Oasis and the official opening of Shelter for the girls.
graduation mass of psychosocial technicians
The event commenced with a Pontifical Mass officiated by the Bishop of Buea His Lordship Michael Bibi. Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, the prelate congratulated the sisters of St Therese of the Child Jesus for their commendable efforts in setting up this center which he says is a gift to the Diocese of Buea in particular and the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province. He encouraged the director and her team to stay passionate in the services they provide to persons suffering from mental health and trauma in a society where stress and depression are current issues of concern.
Mass officiated by Bishop Bibi
These graduates were challenged by His Lordship Michael Bibi to bring hope to those who have lost hope and to be instruments of hope and support to the dignity of those they cater for. According to the local ordinary Michael Bibi, the mission of St. Joseph Oasis is timely as the society suffers from the effects of drug abuse by the youths. “we need you in our communities and our schools, and we shall provide you with what you need to carry out work in our schools, ” the Bishop told the newly graduated psycho clinical technicians.
Following the Holy Mass was the cutting of the ribbon to officially open the shelter for the girls at St Joseph Oasis.
Inauguration of the shelter for girls
Speaking during the celebration, the founder and director Rev. Sr. Jacky Atabong called on the audience to make mental health a priority. She highlighted the reason behind the founding of the center, which she says it was born to attend to the needs caused by the sociopolitical crisis troubling the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon.
The center currently houses 20 vulnerable girls who came from towns and villages in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of the Country and are being sent to school while learning hands-on skills such as the production of natural juices for sale, that would make them self-reliant in the future.
After six months of rigorous training, these graduates are leaving with knowledge on mental health diseases and how to help people help themselves,
