‘Bigger things' for 6A

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33095, 9 December 1972, Page 16

‘Bigger things ' for 6A

Activities have begun at the 6A youth centre, now at its new home in Madras Street, and about 40 young persons are using the centre regularly. However, much remains to be done to the new premises before the centre is working properly, according to the chairman of the 6A committee (Mr C. A. Shumway).

“We are struggling to raise about $4OOO or $5OOO to get the accommodation part of the building set up,” Mr Shumway said yesterday.

“Accommodation is one of the most important aspects of the centre —when it has been arranged, we hope to be able to have room for about 10 persons.”

The 6A committee has already raised $7OOO, through a street appeal and other support, to raise a loan to buy the Madras Street premises, formerly the Nurse Maude headquarters. SELF-HELP PLAN

Mr Shumway said that the slower but more effective means of trying to rely on those using 6A to organise their own activities was being used, and so far they had decorated the centre for Christmas and had organised a dance.

“But as yet, there is not much for them to do. We have made an approach to those taking part in the weekly Mollett Street market, and we hope to have some of the craftsmen at the market coming to 6A to do their work, with the intention of involving some of our kids in this.” HELPERS NEEDED

Six-A also needs supervisors, especially during the day. "Anybody interested in the project is welcome, as long as they are interested in inter-relating in a personal way with kids who have never been accepted by society,” said Mr Shumway. “But we don’t want anyone who is likely to try to

project their own morals and standards on to the children. It is essential that we meet them on their own ground, and we cannot afford to moralise.”