DYS launches television talk show mini-series

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Division of Youth Services is taking its campaign for stronger families directly into homes with the launching of a new television talk show mini-series.

“Developing Parent Leadership” features a variety of guests from government, church, business and other community arenas. The one-hour show is aimed at educating and empowering parents to become better advocates for their children, with the ultimate goal of reducing child abuse and neglect in the home.

The third show “Developing Parent Leadership: Parents and Youth” will air on Monday, June 27, at 7pm, on Channel 7.

“Parent Leadership is a vital family strengthening and community building strategy,” said Parent Education Program coordinator Felicidad Ogumoro. “Through these talk shows we want to raise public awareness about the important roles parents play in shaping the lives of children and families, and to encourage professional, policymakers and other community members to create opportunities to partner with parents to address issues that affect children and families.”

The shows are hosted by DCCA public information officer Catherine Perry Anderson.

The first show, “Developing Parent Leadership: Professional Perspectives,” features CNMI Superior Court Judge Kenneth Govendo, Northern Marianas College School of Education instructor Geri Willis, Hyatt Regency Saipan human resources director Josephine Deleon Guerrero-Mesta and psychiatrist Dr. Willi Gutowski.

The second show, “Developing Parent Leadership: Serving Families,” features Education Commissioner Rita Inos, DYS Parent Education instructor Marie Coleman, and Guma Esperanza manager Lauri Ogumoro.

The show premiering on June 27 will feature parent Ed Salas and young adults Brian S. Nicholas Jr., and Michael Deleon Guerrero.

“We want to thank our sponsors, guests, and other individuals who have assisted with this series for their commitment to strengthening families,” said Ogumoro.

Replays of the show will air on:
* July 2, 8:30pm

* July 4, 5pm

* July 11, 18, and 25 and Aug. 1 and 8, 7pm

Parent Leadership is an initiative of Parents Anonymous®, the nation’s oldest child abuse prevention organization. In the Northern Mariana Islands, Parents Anonymous® is under the umbrella of the Parent Education Program of DYS.

The three shows are sponsored by Ayuda Network, Department of Public Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, and DYS. DYS is seeking sponsors for the production of additional shows.

For more information about Parent Leadership or to register for Parent Education classes, contact the DYS Parent Education Program at 670-664-2585 or parented@saipan.com.