In response to the critical shortage of teachers caused by prolonged conflict, Bishop Felice Bahtoo of Pekhon Diocese restarted the Batch (34) program on July 5, empowering laypeople as “Zetaman” to serve the needy in Tikhu Village, Han O Parish.

The program began with a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Felice, accompanied by four priests and approximately 200 faithful. Sending out laypeople to reach out to the needy, especially in this critical era, represents a significant challenge for the conflict-affected diocese.

“Service is our inborn duty given by God,” the bishop said in his homily. “I really thank the youths who willingly want to dedicate themselves to serve God’s people, the least.”

He insisted that service must be based on Gospel values—self-sacrifice, charity, humility, and perseverance.

A Response to Growing Needs

The empowerment program will last one month, after which the sending-out program will be carried out. During these six years of conflicts, the most serious challenge for the Diocese has been the shortage of teachers in schools. Low incentive is the main reason for the declining number of teachers.

The main purpose of the program is to train and empower youths to respond to the needs of the Diocese, especially in education for children. As the crisis has prolonged, needs have risen even as human resources have decreased and despair has grown.

Encouragement for the Young Laborers

Fr. John Paul Lwel, Director of Zetaman, welcomed all the young people who came to serve with profound commitment. He encouraged them to be the light and salt of the community they are serving.

“The Lord wants the humble, not the proud laborers,” Fr. John Paul said. “Always keep in mind that you are trained and sent to be the light of hope for those who are living in hopelessness.”

A Spark of Hope

The Diocese of Pekhon has faced immense challenges. Thousands of families have been displaced, education has been disrupted, and communities have been left struggling to meet basic needs. The shortage of teachers has been particularly acute, with many educators fleeing conflict zones or seeking better-paying opportunities elsewhere.

The Zetaman program represents a creative response to this crisis, mobilizing young laypeople to fill the gap and ensure that children in remote villages continue to receive an education.

“We hope that this training and empowerment program will be a spark of hope for the Diocese, especially for the future generation—the school-age children,” organizers said.

The Batch (34) program, which was originally established to train lay leaders, has been revived to address the urgent needs of the diocese. Participants are being equipped not only with teaching skills but also with a deeper understanding of their mission to serve God’s people through education and pastoral care.

As the program moves forward, the Diocese of Pekhon remains committed to supporting its young volunteers and ensuring that they have the resources and guidance they need to serve effectively. The hope is that this initiative will not only address the immediate teacher shortage but also inspire a new generation of lay leaders dedicated to building the Church and serving their communities.

By RVA Kayan Service