from "Paint a Rainbow" - December 2009, Newsletter of MU Diocese of Willochra

Rosalie Yeend from Minlaton writes of the Parenting Education (or as we prefer to call it) Encouragement Program which began in the United Kingdom and is beginning to pick up speed in Australia.

Since undertaking training as a PEP coordinator for the Diocese of Willochra in June 2007, I have been able to facilitate the running of four courses.

Two of these were in 2008 - a very small one in Minlaton with 3-4 participants which was run in conjunction with the local health service, and a second was held in Pt Pirie where there were also small numbers attending despite much hard work by Jane Tanner at the local kindergarten.

In 2009, 8 participants attended a program initiated through Edithburgh Primary School and they have indicated they would like to participate again in 2010.

A similar sized group assembled at Wallaroo for the first evening course. This was organised by Rev. Prue Donovan who provided care for children whilst parents and grandparents attended.

We need to get more MU groups involved in running PEP courses in their local communities. Whilst I am pleased to have been asked by community groups, I feel we are letting a wonderful opportunity go by when we don't become the 'organisational hub or push' behind this. It is a great opportunity to get the message out there that we can offer care, concern, and a concrete way of supporting families.

At three of the courses which I have run, MU (or church) people have come to sessions. They helped with practical matters and provided much moral and spiritual support. Their contributions brought a wealth of parenting and life experiences that made our discussions all the more interesting and thought provoking.

PEP is a good opportunity for groups to make themselves known in small communities and I hope this will continue to grow.

21/12/2009