Karen Salmon - Ethiopia |
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Mekelle Youth Centre
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Background
The Youth Centre provides an alternative place where youth can learn and develop into responsible citizens by the provision of a recreation/training centre. The centre provides many kinds of activities and training, with special emphasis on teaching English as a second language, computer training, HIV/AIDS awareness and counselling and sports.
Facilities
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A library/reading room (photograph above), computer room, tutorials, and TV/Audio Visual Educational presentations are integral to the programme. The youth centre has sport and recreational facilities including a football field, and a multipurpose court for volleyball, basketball and tennis. Indoor recreational games include board games, and table tennis. Coaching and training are given in various areas of sport thereby developing personal discipline and character.
HIV/AIDS Awareness and Counselling
Three million Ethiopians are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. The 15-24 year age group has the highest number of infected individuals. Students need to be educated in order to raise their awareness of the virus and how to prevent it from spreading. Those who have the HIV/AIDS virus need to be counselled both against its spread and how to live life to its fullest.
Project Outcome
The aim of the Centre is to develop productive young citizens each with a strong foundation of character, high morals and ethical values. The holistic training offered is expected to produce young people who can move ahead successfully in various fields of education, employment and leadership.
Five hundred young people are registered to use the centre’s facilities. Karen’s role at the Youth Centre is to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and provide counselling as required.
Please pray for:
- Development of programmes and schedules to keep children moving through the Centre
- Continued good will in relationships with local government
- Expansion of the team to carry the load in this exciting ministry opportunity