RESIDENTS of Porus and surrounding communities in Manchester are expected to benefit from workshops and a health fair set for the third week in July at Porus Primary School. It is being spearheaded by the Friends of Porus Association Inc.

The organisation has been giving back to the community of Porus for more than two decades, and according to its President Carson Robinson, the premise on which the residents are engaged is key to improving leadership skills in young adults and assisting parents with navigating the challenges of raising young adults.

“Our aim is to instil and ignite leadership skills in young adults, primary and high school [students from grades five to 10]. We realise that the youth are less susceptible to the typical delinquencies when they understand the importance of leadership in society, business, and their personal life,” Robinson said while noting the importance of also engaging parents.

“Over the years, we found that most parents would attend in silence by accompanying their children to the event and sit at the site. Having observed this, as a former educator I saw an opportunity to share a teacher’s perspective with the parents. This has evolved into broader topics, including [topics on] parenting, time management, adolescence, and how to navigate the typical challenges of raising young adults,” Robinson said.

This year’s giveback will feature a student leadership workshop and a parenting talk on July 18.

On July 19 a free health fair is scheduled to be held at the Porus health clinic, at which students who are heading back to school can get their medicals done. Adults will also be able to benefit from free health checks, as well as blood pressure, blood sugar and mental health screening, the organisers said.