A Pastor from Bishop Lavis has started a youth movement to restore hope in the community.
Pastor Adam Alexander, who heads the Apostolic Outreach Ministry, says he will no longer stand by and “watch children die on the streets like they mean nothing”.
A few weeks ago, he launched HOOD - Helping Others Obtain Dignity - and held a competition where children were able to display their talents on a stage and have a positive experience.
Pastor Alexander is well-known in the community, and regularly holds youth programmes and outings.
HOOD is being led by youth leader, Heather McFerland, who Alexander says “is a living testament of surviving the Cape Flats”.
She lost her brother to gang
violence, and now works hard to ensure that kids are safe and fed in her community.
Pastor Alexander says he hopes the programme will grow and become part of the community and assist the underprivileged.
The first talent show was held in the community hall where the children danced, sang and entertained their relatives and residents.
“I am so blessed to be surrounded by children who want more out of life,” he says.
“Our children are vulnerable and deserve to live free and safe from negativity and the death that seems to be their only exit from a tough life.
“We need to be the change in their lives. We as parents need to take back the streets.”
For more information on the programme, and the upcoming talent show in September, you can call Pastor Alexander on 074 246 2607 or mail him on [email protected].