UCKG makes its first youth awards
Released: 23.01.08

Recognising achievement motivates those who are doing well and creates role models to encourage others. The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, which has its UK headquarters in Finsbury Park, north London, has just launched a national award scheme for its Victory Youth Group (VYG) with this in mind.

The first awards have just been made in three categories - for Long Term Contribution to the VYG, for faith commitment as a ‘Soul Winner’, and for each branch’s Youth of the Year. The last category encompasses a number of achievements from growth in Christian faith to overall participation in the work and activities of the group.

The first Long Term contribution awards were made to Ann Anofienem of Stamford Hill and Robert Ashitey of Brixton, both of whom have been keen participants in the VYG for ten years. Ann said: "I am very happy, because this award reminds me just how far the VYG has come over the years.

“VYG offers many opportunities to develop as young adults. Since joining I have grown in so many ways, and the skills I have acquired apply right across my life. I've been to many clubs in my time, but I haven’t remained in any of them for even half as long as I've been here. I hope that the awards to Robert and me will help other young people to see just how helpful it is to be a VYG member.”

Robert added; “In the youth group you work hard with pleasure and without expecting rewards or recognition. But to receive this award helps me to remember where I came from and how precious the VYG is to me.” For 2008 he is looking to move into a support role, as younger members come along and take over some of his activities.

There are two Soul Winners. Deborah N'genga from Peckham was a winner because she introduced 35 young people to UCKG during 2007 and six of them were baptised as Christians. Pavola Cabral from Finsbury Park introduced around 80 youths and five progressed to baptism.

Pavola said: “It was with great privilege to receive the award; I feel overwhelmed. However the best part is knowing that I helped other young people who faced serious problems, as I did, and gave them an opportunity to improve their lives. My priorities for 2008 are to do much more of the same.”

Youth of the Year awards were made to three north London winners; Keeley Auguste of UCKG’s Stamford Hill HelpCentre, Chalinee Mottee of Finsbury Park and James Kiarie of Wood Green. The winners from UCKG HelpCentres in south London are Shaneka Davidson of Brixton, Sylvester Osaji of Peckham, Tamara Francis of Catford and Venetia Palmer from Croydon.

The east London winner was Anne Mbeleg from Stratford; and from west London Patricia Kawende of Kilburn and Leena Blenman from Willesden Green were winners. Outside London VYG members Danielle Jones of the Birmingham Lozells branch and Thierry Mbema of Luton were also recognised.

The VYG is open to 14 to 25 year-olds, although some lively members stay on further into their twenties. “We aim to do good in helping young people in trouble over gangs, violence and drugs as well as being a social and support centre for well-behaved youngsters who enjoy the Christian environment,” said Pastor Luke Castro who leads the VYG in the UK.

The winners were selected by the youth pastor of each UCKG branch and selection was based on the VYG members’ achievements in 2007.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort. It was formed in 1977 and is active in some 100 countries as a church in the mainstream Pentecostal tradition. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith.

For more information please contact Jenny Walton or Lucy Andrews on 023 8071 3020 or Francessca Lewis at UCKG on 0207 686 6033.