TRAINING YOUTH LEADERS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27407, 21 July 1954, Page 10

TRAINING YOUTH LEADERS

CHURCH COUNCIL’S SCHEME GOVERNMENT AID WITH FINANCE The training of recreational leaders for youth clubs, with Government support, is now being undertaken by the youth committee of the National Council of Churches. “For many years the Physical Welfare Branch of thg Department of Internal Affdirs has given tremendous assistance to the Christian churches throughout the country by training leaders for recreational youth clubs,” the committee said yesterday in announcing the new scheme. “The youth committee of the National Council of Churches has provided the necessary liaison between the departmerft and the churches. With the withdrawal of the Physical JVelfare Branch staff, the committee has decided to undertake the whole task of running training courses for leader?. “This will be done through its recreational leadership cbmmittee in Wellington, comprising representatives of the Y.M.C.A., the Y.W.C.A., and the standing committee of the youth committee of the National Council of Churches. A generous grant has been made by the Government to cover the major expenses in running the courses. “It is intended to continue both the 36? hour and the 100-hour leadership training courses that have been run in the past, but at present attention is being given to the firm establishment of the introductory 36-hour course on a new basis. “The syllabus includes instruction in group leadership among youth and practical sessions in which the theory is applied. Subjects covered include games, dancing, music, drama, programme planning, techniques of leading discussion, and club organisation. Successful candidates will be awarded certificates by the youth committee of the National Council of Churches. “The 36-hour course will be run anywhere in New Zealand where a group of 18 to 24 persons are willing to prepare themselves to serve better as youth leaders.” The youth committee of the National Council of Churches has invited inquiries to its own headquarters in Christchurch, the headquarters of the Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. in Wellington, or regional committees.