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This
Autumn, ALOVE’s Youth Work Bursary Students
started their second year of delving into
Youth Work training both academically and
practically. These students have come from
all over the UK and are currently involved
in serving the vision of Youth Work in their
respective placements across the country,
from Glasgow to Southampton, to Lisburn in
Northern Ireland.
As these students endeavour on their second
year of training, Carrie Cummings (ALOVE’s
Personal Development & Training Coordinator)
took the opportunity to chat with Mel Reynolds
who is placed in Tottenham, London, studying
at Oasis.
Are you looking
forward to another year of youth work studies?
Yes, I am looking forward to it with some
trepidation, as this year holds more responsibility,
but I am up for that. I am looking forward
to learning different aspects about what it
means to be a youth worker in my context.
Can you explain
your context please (i.e. your placement)?
I work with young people who are of other
faiths, young people who are socially and
economically deprived, and young people that
need learning support.
What is the best part of the bursary programme?
The faith investment that is put in you to
be developed and to work out your giftings
and to be able to use those in whatever setting
you are in. The programme gives you windows
of opportunities to explore your gifts and
nurture them.
What are you most
looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to developing some of
the existing relationships I’ve had
with some of the kids. Looking forward to
continuing refining and defining my theology.
Defining what it means to be a Christian living
in a multicultural setting. Looking forward
to working with new people and learning from
other people experiences and being stretched
by that.
What do you think
your biggest challenge will be this year?
The biggest challenge for me will be taking
on more responsibility and working into more
of a managerial role in my placement. I will
need to figure out the time balance in that,
in terms of finding time to incorporate the
rest of my life into what I am doing and to
explore other passions, and being able to
give myself.
Can you share
a story from your placement that really inspired
you?
Sharing a meal with a family from a different
culture and faith community. It was really
special and reflected true community. It showed
us how the relationships in our locality are
strengthening and how the community is starting
to trust us as Christians.
What would your
vision be for Salvation Army youth work in
the UK?
I would love to see balanced youth workers
who are passionate about people and serving
as well as running programmes. To see youth
workers using their gifts and strengths to
meet needs in communities, specific needs
that can vary within each area. To see youth
work that doesn’t assume youth will
want to enter ‘Christian’ territory,
but to see youth work that goes out into the
community.
For more information about ALOVE Youth Worker
Training programmes click
here. |
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Youthwork -
The Partnership ...
ALOVE,
Youthwork Magazine, Youth For Christ, Spring Harvest and
Oasis are working together to equip and resource the Church
for effective youth work and ministry. |
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