Meeting of Community Youth Leaders

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

(Matthew 18:20)

On a bright Saturday morning on 29 July 2006, a remarkable step was taken by our churches, community groups and youth workers to come together and open dialogue to better the lifestyle and future of our youth. The significance of this meeting highlighted the growing concept of youth leadership within our community, nurtured by our churches and supported by our community organisations.

In attendance at the Sports Centre of Nineveh Club were representatives from the Ancient Church of the East, Light of Faith Youth Group of the AncientCOE, Ss Peter and Paul Parish of the Assyrian Church of the East, Youth Association of the AssyrianCOE, Assyrian Australian Association, The Assyrian Australian Academic Society, STARTTS and Mt Druitt Ethnic Community Agency, as well as other youth leaders in our community. Although unable to attend on this occasion, representatives of the St Toma Chaldean Church expressed an interest in future meetings.

The Youth Leaders Meeting was organised by the Community Youth Worker of the Assyrian Australian Association at the request of community organisations who have met on a regular basis in an open forum convened by the Assyrian Federation of Australia.

Each group had an opportunity to provide a brief presentation on the experiences and difficulties they have encountered with their connection to youth. Referring to the Assyrian Community Capacity Building in Fairfield City report, a number of pertinent issues were also raised in regards to new arrivals and their transition into Australian society. Major points mentioned included youth vulnerability to crime, the need for development of various activities to engage young people, supporting families and working with community organisations to assist with effective implementation of strategies. There was agreement that we, as a community, have an obligation to help our youth rise above their problems, through the support of our churches and other social groups, utilising the resources available within the Australian Assyrian Community.

As broader strategies were examined, further discussion showed unity in thought and a commitment to act towards finding a resolution for the problems youth encounter. One of the main strengths of young leaders is their first-hand experience with youth issues. Their work in our churches and community organisations has provided resources and ministries that cater for the young people, which have witnessed lives changed from difficult and adverse circumstances. Mentioned in the meeting were examples of work already done by the youth groups, including street outreach to young people, educational support and mentoring, assisting young people involved in criminal proceedings and importantly, provision of spiritual guidance and social activities in safe and supervised settings. However, there was an acknowledgement that planning at a community level would be beneficial as strategies are diversified and groups draw on each other’s experience and community-wide resources.

The resources required to achieve the steps to help our youth are currently present, our Churches especially are capable to provide these resources in regards to outreach and support. All groups agreed that they would commit to working on strategic planning, to be brought forward to the next Youth Leaders Meeting scheduled for 9 September 2006.

Participants remarked on the outcome of this first meeting, that it was a positive step for our community as it is due time for our groups to work together and to be seen to do so by our young people and their parents.

Article courtesy of the Assyrian Church of the East (Diocese of Australia and New Zealand). For further information, contact meeting convener Ashur Isaac from the Assyrian Resource Centre by email: click here. Thanks to Zaya Toma and Hanna Stephan for their assistance on the day.

Article posted: 04/08/2006