Here at YFC we want students to feel that they have a community to belong to and people who support them and intentionally care for them. We want them to grow in curiosity and openness towards Christ. Connections are facilitated through YFC in a number of ways – through onsite and school outreach programs, and through encouraging communication and resource-sharing between the church youth leaders.
Onsite programs focus on engaging students with each other and our intentional leaders, as well as guiding students through learning life skills. This year we’ve really focused on cooking and sports/games. Cooking is unique because it not only partners with the café resources, but it allows students to get important kitchen experience and learn recipes that they will be able to replicate on their own. We always take time at the end of the program to sit and eat together as well, which allows for some good discussion and conversation with students.
We have been blessed to be able to partner with two schools in our neighbourhood that allow us to provide support to both students and teachers. We have paired with one class from each school to play games with the kids over their lunch break once per week. We seek to support students in this way by helping them feel individually seen and known, and to show them Christ’s love through our interactions with them. This also trickles down to positively impact their classroom behaviour and interactions with their teachers.
Bi-monthly youth leader meetings are held at YFC to facilitate sharing experiences and resources and to take the time to encourage and pray for each other. We want to work to support and encourage students in London as a whole and support each other as leaders in the process!
Please continue to be in prayer for our leaders as we engage with students and create these deeper connections, and as we navigate how to best be interacting with and supporting them. We’re excited for the coming year!