In early October, a meeting of young Samaritans took place, bringing together active, kind-hearted young people from various schools. This event was dedicated to strengthening fellowship, the spirit of volunteerism, and leadership development. Young Samaritans actively participated in various activities, considering what it means to be a leader in a community – not only to lead, but also to be able to listen, help, and inspire others. During the event, there was no shortage of good humor, sincere conversations, and new ideas on how to further contribute to good deeds in their environment.
The festive atmosphere of the event was enhanced by meaningful moments – the young Samaritans sang the Samaritan anthem and took the Young Samaritan Oath, promising to spread kindness, help the weaker and be responsible members of their community. Brother Fr. Paulius Vaineikis OFM encouraged the young people to be brave in sharing kindness and not to lose faith in humanity, and Fr. Gediminas Kasperavičius urged them to follow the living examples of our nation, who testify to love, compassion and service through their works.
This year, the Young Samaritans are successfully implementing the project “Discover the Power of a Leader”, the aim of which is to encourage young people to discover their strengths, develop responsibility and self-confidence, and become active creators of their community. The activities of this project provide young people with the opportunity not only to acquire theoretical knowledge, but also to apply it in practice – to cooperate, work in a team, solve problems, plan initiatives, and take responsibility for their actions. In this way, young people develop critical thinking, creativity, social responsibility, and the ability to act together to achieve common goals.
Youth leadership development is important not only for personal development, but also for strengthening the entire community – it helps to raise responsible, engaged, change-making young people. Young Samaritans plan to continue their activities actively, share experiences with others, and spread the ideas of kindness and fellowship more and more widely.
Danutė KRATUKIENĖ, Chairwoman of the Šiauliai branch of the Lithuanian Samaritan Society, Leader of the Young Samaritans
