Christian faith, exceed the expectations, London, young people,
Thursday 6th June 2013
Music, drama and dance added a ‘wow factor’ to serious messages about facing up to life’s challenges and achieving greater fulfilment at an event for young people, which was held at 25 locations around the UK on Sunday June 2nd.
Named ‘Where U Going?’ the shows were organised by the Victory Youth Group (VYG) branches based at UCKG HelpCentres across London and in Manchester, Luton, Nottingham, Swindon and Birmingham.
A total of over 1,300 youths attended. In addition, family members, and in some locations community leaders, came along to support the young writers and performers who had spent weeks creating and developing their material to delight and exceed the expectations of the audiences.
“Our aim was to show that in order to make a change, young people need to be honest about how their lives really are and have the courage to face up to the problems that take away true happiness,” said Michael Oni, the national VYG leader.
The way this was tackled varied from branch to branch. In Edmonton, north London, for example the theme of the performances was time management, while high achieving guests from the community talked about the importance of self reliance and the nature of their work in various professions and occupations.
The events concluded with real life stories of VYG members who managed to turn their lives around, against the odds. Today, these young people are on the right path as responsible citizens and contributors to society, who are making a difference in their families and communities.
Among the audiences, many new comers related strongly to the topics. Aniska Murray, 17, from Walthamstow expressed amazement at the vibrant atmosphere, the buzzing songs and the quality and type of information shared.
“I’m quite new to the VYG so I didn’t know what to expect, but I brought eight of my friends along and I have to say that we loved it. It was their first time at any VYG event and they will definitely be coming back. I am really glad we came.”
Aaron How, 16 from Stoke Newington was similarly impressed. “It was a great performance – helped me to see that I can’t just follow the crowd, as I could end up making some really bad decisions.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all-comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England and Wales.
The UCKG HelpCentre’s youth group, VYG, is a major long term priority. Designed for 15 – 23 year olds, the VYG provides the same family-style peer group support that attracts young people to gang life, but without the destructive behaviours. Rather, it helps and encourages the young to be the best that they can be.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckgnew.org or direct line 020 7686 6033.
