News Release

Certification and Exhibition Marks Success of YSA Training

Students celebrate at the Gathering Place at Wellington Sierra Leone Stake

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the Wellington Sierra Leone Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concluded its second round of training in technical and vocational skills, as well as self-reliance principles. The event took place at the Young Single Adults (YSA) Gathering Place, where participants were awarded certificates and had the opportunity to showcase items created during their training, including beadwork, dresses, catered food, and more.

Young single adults receive certificates at the conclusion of their Gathering Place training on 14 December, 2024.
Young single adults receive certificates at the conclusion of their Gathering Place training on 14 December, 2024.
Young single adults receive certificates at the conclusion of their Gathering Place training on 14 December, 2024.© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Elder Newton, a senior missionary who serves with his spouse at the YSA Gathering Place, provided an overview of the YSA program during the certification ceremony. He explained that Gathering Places serve as venues for young single adults to engage in various activities, including gospel learning (such as Institute classes), self-reliance courses, educational opportunities, support groups, service and outreach initiatives, temple and family history work, and other Church programs.

President Ndemowoma Y. Mustapha, the second counselor in the Stake Presidency and chair of the Stake YSA Committee, further elaborated on the purpose of the YSA Gathering Place. He emphasized that the space is designed to foster spiritual growth, build relationships, and empower young single adults to become more self-reliant.

Before the certificates were awarded, Stake President Sammy Baldwin Moses delivered the closing remarks, congratulating the participants on their achievements. He encouraged them to apply both the skills and gospel principles they had learned during their six months of training at the YSA Gathering Place. President Moses also shared updates on improvements made to address transportation challenges, specifically for those YSA's unable to attend due to personal funding issues.

The event concluded with participants and instructors sharing heartfelt testimonies, followed by the presentation of certificates and an exhibition of the items created during the training. The ceremony was capped off with a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

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