Christian Church, Christian faith, community outreach, local communtiy, young people,
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Young people from the UCKG’s Victory Youth Group (VYG) took part in a community outreach event on Saturday 24 July in Southwark, helping to renovate Burgess Park. 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.
Southwark Council recognises the importance of getting young people involved in the community and was keen to accept the offer. Working with Pavola Cabral and Marco Andrade of UCKG’s Community Outreach team, Southwark Council Parks and Open Spaces Department arranged for 65 young people from VYG to help with clearing rubbish, pruning plants and removing weeds to make the ecology garden area in the park more accessible to the public.
Deborah Nganga, 18, who participated in the event in Burgess Park, said: “It was a great experience and very challenging considering we were doing the work in such hot conditions. I really enjoyed it as I felt that I had done a little to help improve my local community.”
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.
ENDS
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 reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are 36 UCKG HelpCentre branches in England and Wales.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckgnew.org or call 020 7686 6033.
