Youth Alive Ministries is one of the oldest and most successful youth organizations in Soweto that has played a major role in the development of young people.
Youth Alive Ministries (YAM) is an interdenominational Christian youth development organization that communicates the gospel message to young people in Southern Africa. It is one of the oldest and most successful youth organizations in Soweto that has played a major role in character and leadership development of young people since its establishment in 1959. Youth Alive provides discipleship, leadership development and community outreach through its various projects and activities including youth clubs, camps, training, mentorship, educational support, and seminars.
Youth Alive celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2010 which brought renewed energy and vision to both former members and current ones to take it to the next level. The urge to revamp the current dilapidated Dube Centre building in line with future youth needs, establishment of an YAM Alumni association, more focused programmes and staff capacity building are key priorities in taking the organisation forward. We are therefore calling on you to be part of this exciting vision renewal.
- Bring your kid to youth club on weekends and camp in December
- Sign a pledge form to support our renovations project
- Join the YAM Alumni Association and events
- Share your time and expertise
- Pray for the success of YAM.
October 9, 2010, Youth Alive Ministries (YAM) held a Gala evening at Sandton Convention Centre, where over 300 of all generations of the alumni spanning 50years attended the event.
The night flowed elegantly in the hands of our master and Madam of Ceremony, Mr. Rapitsi and Mrs. Palesa Mahlangu. The night was kicked off with devotions from Rev. Faki Bodibe and a vibrant performance by Mr. Surprise Segaloe.See more.
Rev. Ceasar Molebatsi gave a brief history of the organization and organization's highlights of different decades. He also spoke on the organizations ability to train people in public speaking, how during apartheid years YAM taught black youths about voting for leaders and having them be accountable to a constituency. He concluded by expressing that YAM must fight to always remain relevant.
He further stressed the importance of alumni supporting the ministry financially. Ms Renate Goerler from the circle of friends in Germany, shared how their partnership with YAM started and how it has benefited their different ministries in Germany.
Mr. Mandla Adonisi spoke about how YAM laid a foundation for moral living and standing for the truth, adding how YAM leaders learned how to make sacrifices with regards to the time and effort that they put into the development of the members.
Ms. Vicky Vilakazi captivated the audience with her voice between speakers' breaks and performed an array of her favourite Gospel songs.
Rev. Frank Chikane highlighted YAM's ability to produce quality leaders and mentioned a few former members who now hold influential positions in government and civil society. He mentioned the importance of organizations like YAM throughout the apartheid era, pointing out that organizations like YAM coupled with the history of this country, produced extraordinary leaders. He encouraged us to produce leaders of character and integrity. He then concluded his talk by asking the question "what seed are we planting"?
The Regional Director, Abe Matlou and Gershon an Architect made a 3D presentation of the vision of the future and the 2011 renovations project. The inclusion of this during the gala was to move past generation alumni to get involved in whatever way they can to make sure that the YAM brand lives on for the future generation.
Youth Alive would like to thank the sponsors for making the night possible. Thank you to everyone that came through that evening. Your continuous support is appreciated immensely.
Apologies to the Youth Alivers that never got the invitation. We had a limited number of contacts and an almost nonexistent database. Some Alumni who became aware extended the invitations to people and friends they knew. We apologise for not being able to reach you in time. Please feel free to send us your contact details so you may be included in our database.
Let us put our hands together and complete the work that our Lord Jesus Christ has entrusted upon us!
Shalcom
So, looking back in the last 50 years we have a lot to celebrate. For Youth Alive has not only touched the lives of thousands of young people but has also contributed significantly to our society. From its humble beginnings in Dube, Soweto in 1960 when two men, Mr. Nkosi and Mr. Lutz had a vision to establish an organization that will touch the lives of young people in Soweto through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Youth Alive grewSee more.
we had branches in Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Zimbabwe and strong partnerships in Britain and Germany.
But as we celebrate, "50 years of impacting the future" at the gala dinner at Sandton Convention Centre on the 9th October 2010 we hope it will not only be a time of thanks giving and rejoicing but also an opportunity recommit ourselves to building the work of Youth Alive to a higher level.
To this end, we will use the Gala Dinner to:
- Launch a massive fund raising project for the major renovations of the Youth Alive Centre in Dube, Soweto
- Launch an Alumni programme that will allow former Youth Alive members to register to be part of the active network that will enhance the work of the organization
- Why are we celebrating it.
- The importance of Jesus Christ death and His resurrection.
- How does youth view it and celebrate it.
