“Spending time with our youth has had a great impact on their lives. They are becoming good examples in the community, and people see them as good children. We don’t only give them practical tools that they can use, but we share about Jesus and the reason why we help other people.” – Matthew, African Leader (Nigeria)
As Hands at Work, our dream is to raise a generation who love Jesus, are committed to their families, belong to a local church, are generous to the poor and are positive role models in their communities. Across Africa, local Hands at Work teams are committed to investing in the lives of the youth in the communities that they are supporting, wanting to bring this dream to life.
In Nigeria, the Hands at Work team in Lagos has seen the negative influences and pressures that our youth face daily in their community. One of our Care Points in the community of Amokoko specifically aims to reach and care for our youth – those above the age of 12. As members of the Lagos team, Matthew and Taiwo, visited the community, a burden began developing in their hearts for the youth boys. Within Amokoko, there are many older boys who are not coming to the Care Point who are involved in smoking, fighting and drinking. Seeing the negative influence that these older boys could have on our youth, Matthew and Taiwo began thinking about how they could invest in the lives of the youth both practically and spiritually.
With support from the rest of the team, Matthew and Taiwo invited the boys to get involved with practical projects either at the Care Point or in the homes of the most vulnerable, and meet with them for a weekly Bible study. Not only are the boys learning skills that they can use for their future, but they are reading and digging into God’s word and learning what it means to be a Godly man in their community.
Since this started, the boys have developed a sense of ownership and responsibility. They have gained practical knowledge and are growing in their understanding of God’s love. This first-hand building experience has enabled them to help their own families when simple repairs are needed. They see that mixing with the older boys in the community will not benefit their futures. They are growing in responsibility for themselves, their families and their communities.
“Samuel* is one of the youths who has been involved in this programme. He has really shown an interest in it, and he always asks that we let him know whenever there is a project that needs to be done. He doesn’t mind helping, even if he is the only one. He loves being responsible and is eager to learn.” - Taiwo, African Leader (Nigeria)