Paster Lannwit reviews successes and challenges 6 months on |27 November 2015

Many will recall the launch of the Paster Lannwit, when the newly formed non-governmental organisation commissioned its first batch of volunteers, on Friday May 8, 2015, at the St Paul’s Cathedral in Victoria.

So six months on from the launch and commissioning how are the 30 volunteer ‘Night Pastors’ officially and better known as the Paster Lannwit here in Seychelles, doing?
“Just fine and wanting to do more,” said its chairperson, the Reverend Danny Elizabeth of the Anglican Church. Following its first annual general meeting (AGM) which was held on Saturday July 11, 2015, the volunteer group has been busy with its pastoral duties each Saturday night since its initial commissioning, supporting those in need around Victoria, or simply providing a simple but friendly talk to anyone who would listen, and there were many.  

As well being seen out and about at night fairs in Mont Fleuri; speaking with young adults at popular hang-out spots not only within Victoria but farther afield as well, was what the ‘Pasters’ began to excel at and are well recognised for.  

The ‘Pasters’ following their last board meeting, held last Thursday on November 19, 2015, now realise and appreciate that more needs to be done so that the mission of the NGO can be fully appreciated.  

Speaking and helping those in society who are in trouble or committing desperate acts, sometimes labelled as anti-social behaviour, needs that extra guidance after a volunteer with Paster Lannwit has met with them, giving them that initial helping hand.  

“What is needed now is the after-care, the guidance, moral support, during the day, which we are doing in part, but which we need to make as part of our entire programme of work,” said Sister Alice, herself a volunteer going out at night with the group and who is the vice-chair of the board.

Already working with several young adults following positive contacts, the Paster Lannwit from funds raised and donations received have now helped one young adult through her ‘detox’ programme, and are working to help several others who are wanting to commit themselves and work for a better more fruitful positive life off drugs and away from sexual exploitation as sex workers.

This past Saturday November 21, 2015, Victoria Howard, a founder member and who through her hard work and determination launched the group, presented the sum of R10,000.  Ms Howard who returned to Seychelles from the UK for a short holiday and to visit the group she started, raised the funds at different activities back in the United Kingdom.  Raymond St. Ange, secretary to the board and himself a volunteer, thanked Ms Howard for the donation saying that it would certainly be put to good use.  

And what of the way forward?  Well it is understood that the Paster Lannwit will be engaging with other NGOs who have indicated certain interest and possible onward collaboration, considering the good work to date and positive feedback being received.  The group as well will shortly embark on a very special project which if successful will further solidify their work and mission here in Seychelles.  

For now and considering the Christmas season soon to be upon us, the Paster Lannwit plan to continue being visible on the streets of Victoria on Saturday nights and beyond that engaging various churches on Sundays where and when possible, always welcoming new volunteers and support from the general public. One very public showing for Paster Lannwit will be a traditional sponsored road walk which the group intends to hold mid February next year.

“We aim to have a very good showing for our first year of service, which will be on Sunday May 8, 2016, where we can gather as a group, all friends now, and with new friends, celebrate what has been achieved and what can be achieved for the years to come,” said Reverend Christine Benoit, volunteer and treasurer of the Paster Lannwit.

Recognising that indeed they could not have done this by themselves, the Paster Lannwit thanked the continuing support of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports, the Seychelles Police Department for coming to the assistance of distressed persons, the churches of the Anglican and Roman Catholic orders, the SPTC, Airtel, and Alain Ernestine for the bottled water provided.

With steady progress the Paster Lannwit hopes to be able to expand on the volunteer work that they are presently doing.  By the looks of it they are bound to succeed!
For more information on the Paster Lannwit, to either volunteer or be of help by sponsoring, you are invited to telephone number 2815555 during normal business working hours, Monday to Friday or by visiting their Face book page, www.facebook.com/seselpasterlannwit.