Africa: Reducing Teenage Pregnancy | 24

In the underprivileged townships of Paarl East and Mbekweni, in South Africa many children risk getting drawn into crime and gang culture, or drug and alcohol abuse. Since 2007, World Emergency Relief (WER), in collaboration with Monte Christo Ministries (MCM), has helped offer young people a structured outlet where they can express themselves in a positive way. In addition to the flourishing U13 and U15 boys’ leagues, the MCM Sports programme in Paarl has been very influential in developing a provincial women’s league. The 2009 season started a couple of months ago and this year there are 16 active girls’ teams. All of the girls receive support from ‘life skills’ coaches, who work alongside the football coaches to help girls deal with the various social issues that they face and mentor them to overcome these problems. A clear indication of just how life-changing the programme has been is that there has been a virtual eradication of unplanned pregnancy among girls taking part.

Source: Christian Today

BIBLE STUDY: Zechariah 9:16-18

PRAISE: God that wise Christian intervention can make a difference. Pray that these young people meet the One who can change their whole lives.