By Nuwagaba Didas
Rubindi, Mbarara — A three-day spiritual conference at Rubindi Vocational Training Institute ended today with strong calls for students to reject negative peer influence and embrace personal responsibility, guided by faith.
The conference, which ran from Tuesday 14th to Thursday 16th April at the campus grounds in Rubindi Town, Mbarara District, was held under the theme: _“Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind”_ — drawn from Romans 2:12.
Rev. Father Alexander Mwebembezi, Chaplain of Augustine Evangelization Team Ministries and Principal Celebrant of the closing mass, encouraged students to surrender to God for inner change.
“Let me tell you young people, you have to give yourselves to God to change and transform your minds from your sins to live as righteous citizens. If not, you will live a problematic life,” Fr. Mwebembezi told the congregation during his preachings.
Main Facilitator Mr. Begumisa Evarist emphasized personal decision-making throughout the sessions.
“What you are going to choose should be chosen by you. God gave you wisdom to make your own decisions,” Begumisa said while addressing students.
Facilitator Mrs. Ninsiima Consolet, Nurse at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, urged dependence on God, citing Philippians 4:19: “God is ready to give them everything from His riches.” She also called on students to uphold their lives as gifts from God citing the implications that may arise due to misuse of their bodies. “Be careful with how you use your bodies because some people are much ready to use you and dump you hence losing value to yourself and your communities.”
Fellow facilitator Mrs. Najuna Penlope encouraged a shift in mindset, telling students to adopt to new changes. “Change your mindsets to overcome your crippled state.”
The conference was attended by the institute’s administration and staff, led by Director Mr. Namanya Robert and Principal Madam Sasirabo Patricia, alongside the entire student body.
Rubindi Vocational Training Institute offers both Business and Technical studies to students across Mbarara and the neighboring districts focus on skills development and character formation.
