Nova East launched a new initiative at the end of October 2014 to expand the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program. Within a focus neighborhood – the Mark Center – conversations were had with the youth to invite them to train and serve as animators. The teams of friends canvassed a large part of the neighborhood and found 60 youth who expressed an interest in the idea of animating junior youth groups.
These youth were invited to an information session the following weekend and many of them received home visits during the week to continue to build those bonds of friendship. Eight youth attended the two information sessions, where they learned about the program and received a brief introduction to the contents of the training, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” and “Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth.”
A Ruhi Book 1 “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” has begun with 6 of the youth and is projected to end mid-December.
In this way, animator resources can be created before or in tandem with inviting junior youth to join groups.