Catholic priests and professionals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have organised a back-to-school retreat to help secondary school students build resilience, manage trauma and resist negative peer influence ahead of the new academic session.
The programme, tagged “Back to School, Anchored for Success!”, is sponsored by Mindora Wellness and targets students from JSS1 to SS3. Rev. Fr. Paschal Nwoko, an educational psychologist and therapist, said the 2026 edition focuses on preparing students mentally, spiritually, emotionally and academically for the challenges ahead.
Nwoko said participants are being equipped with practical coping skills, mentorship, counselling, goal-setting strategies and guidance on managing social and academic pressures. The retreat also includes meditation, art therapy, affirmations, growth groups and Catholic spiritual activities, while facilitators emphasise healing from difficult experiences and making responsible choices.
The programme, which began on Aug. 24 at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Games Village, will continue across participating parishes in Abuja until Sept. 1, including Blessed Iwene Tansi Catholic Church, Pyakasa; St. Agnes Catholic Church, Wuye; and Christ the King Catholic Church, Kubwa. Facilitators said the retreat is open to both Catholic and non-Catholic students and urged parents, guardians and sponsors to support wider participation.
Leave a comment