Youth Personal Grooming and Etiquette Day: Empowering the Next Generation with Essential Life Skills

On March 22nd, the Stake Center was abuzz with excitement as youth from various wards came together for an enriching activity—Youth Personal Grooming and Etiquette Day. This thoughtfully organized event aimed to equip young individuals with vital skills in grooming, manners, and social etiquette, fostering confidence and grace in diverse settings.

The event was formally opened by Stake President Stephen Abu Jr., who underscored the significance of self-presentation, respect, and dignity in both spiritual and secular aspects of life. Distinguished attendees included First Counselor to the Stake Presidency, President Delvyn Sandison, Young Men President Brother Francis Agodzo, Young Women President Sister Fiona Bessa-Simons(Together with Georgina Addy and Lillian Buina), as well as members of the Young Women presidencies from various wards. Their collective efforts were instrumental in ensuring the success of this impactful initiative.

A Rotational Learning Experience

To maximize engagement, the youth were divided into groups, rotating through interactive learning stations, each designed to cover specific aspects of grooming and etiquette. The sessions were led by skilled instructors who combined practical demonstrations with participatory lessons.

1. Dressing Appropriately for Different Occasions (Modesty) – Sister Lillian Buina provided valuable insights into dressing appropriately for various settings such as church, school, interviews, and social gatherings. She emphasized the principles of modesty, neatness, and cultural sensitivity, reminding the youth that their appearance reflects their values and self-respect.
2. Respectful Body Language and Active Listening – Brother Francis Agodzo guided participants through the essentials of non-verbal communication. Through engaging activities, he illustrated how posture, eye contact, and gestures shape perceptions. He also stressed the importance of active listening as a tool for building stronger, more genuine relationships.
3. Basic Table Manners – Sister Elizabeth Munkoh broke down dining etiquette into simple, practical steps. Her session covered:
   • Proper sitting posture at the table
   • Napkin placement and use
   • Polite handling of utensils
   • Common dining mistakes to avoid

4. Formal and Informal Dining Etiquette – Sisters Fiona Bessa-Simons and Huberta Afeku expanded on dining etiquette by distinguishing between formal and informal settings. Their comprehensive session included:
   • An overview of the continental and American dining styles
   • Tips for engaging in polite conversation while dining
   • Techniques for handling challenging-to-eat foods gracefully

The use of a mock dining setup provided participants with an opportunity to practice their newfound skills in a realistic environment.

A Day of Growth and Fellowship

In addition to the valuable lessons, the event fostered a sense of unity among the youth as they bonded through shared experiences and mutual encouragement. The day was marked by laughter, curiosity, and an earnest commitment to self-improvement.

As the program concluded, participants departed not only with practical knowledge but also with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. The principles of grooming and etiquette imparted during the event transcended basic social skills, instilling values of self-discipline, respect for others, and the importance of representing their faith with dignity.

Youth Personal Grooming and Etiquette Day proved to be more than just a workshop—it was an investment in the personal and social development of the youth. By mastering these essential skills, they are poised to become exemplary individuals in their communities, schools, and future careers.

This highly successful event sets a strong precedent for future activities that will continue to inspire growth, wisdom, and favor among the youth of the stake.