New Youth Outreach Launched

The first “Inside Out Film Workshop” held in Auckland, New Zealand, in October 2006 was a huge success.  Twelve youth worked for six days with a group of four instructors, six mentors/leaders and seven support people.  A crew of volunteers put together a Film Festival to cap off the week.  The teens told their personal stories in groups, selected one story to film, wrote the script, chose actors, shot and edited the films.  Over 150 people gathered for the closing Film Festival where the films were shown and judged.  Films covered topics such as alcoholism in the home, the fine line between discipline and abuse, and the “invisible” feeling of a child whose parents fight and separate.  The at-risk youth involved came away with closer ties to The Wesleyan Church who sponsored the event as well as to each other.  Follow-up plans include meeting with each youth to give specific feedback on observed strengths and gifting as well as to map out next steps for the Inside Out program.