Christian Church, community outreach, local communtiy, negative stereotypes, outreach event, young people,
Wednesday 4th August 2010
Young people from the UCKG’s Victory Youth Group (VYG) took part in a community outreach event on Saturday 24 July at the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship in London, helping to direct spectators and participants to the correct location. Their aim was to make a positive difference in their local community and help change negative stereotypes of young people, as part of a London-wide initiative.
The UCKG approached the local authorities everywhere it has established HelpCentres, arranging for a team of youths from the local VYG to undertake a task of benefit to the wider community.
The Dextro Energy ITU World Championship Triathlon recognises the importance of involving young people in the community and was keen to accept the offer. Working with Pavola Cabral and Marco Andrade of UCKG’s Community Outreach team, the volunteer coordinators arranged for 65 young people from VYG to help with directing people and ensuring the track was clear when in use by athletes.
Michiline Kawende, 17, who participated in the event, said: “I really enjoyed it as it was a different experience for me. I also liked working together with other young people that were volunteering.”
Marco Andrade added: “Youths are often blamed for causing trouble and disturbances in their local communities. Yet as we know in the VYG, many young people are really keen to make a positive impact on the communities in which they live. We hope this community outreach event will help to change attitudes toward young people.”
The VYG is the youth ministry of the UCKG HelpCentre, which works to help young people develop their full potential. The VYG started in the UK in 1996 and has been growing steadily with branches in many parts of the country. Over 1,300 young people attend the youth centres every week, sharing sessions that include practical teaching, fun and spiritual development.
Note to editors:
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort. It was formed in 1977 and is active in 176 countries as a church in the mainstream Pentecostal tradition. It reached the UK in 1995 and there are 39 UCKG branches in England and Wales.
