The African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA) is set to hold its 7th annual conference for children and youth workers this month, with plans to challenge itself as it refreshes its mission.

|TOP|Taking place on Saturday 23 September 2006, at the Walworth Methodist church, attendees will have the opportunity to consider whether or not they are equipped with the values, vision and vocabulary to impact the ‘now’ generation in a positive way.

The programme has been promoted as being packed with presentations on currents issues facing young people, seminars for success in youth work, and workshops for those wanting practical tools and tips. The aim of the schedule has been to be both challenging and thought-provoking for pastors and youth/children’s workers.

Constantia Pennie (Chair of ACEA’s Children and Youth Commission) said: “Our children and young people have ideas, potential and creativity that is often misunderstood or misdirected. We want to ensure that those working in churches, organisations and projects are better equipped to recognise the possibilities clearly, respond to the problems effectively, and realise the potential positively."

|AD|Delegates will be able to explore current issues on child safety as well as recent research on services for children and young people.

This year’s speakers and contributors include Rev David Shosanya from the London Baptist Association, Rev Nims Obunge from the Peace Alliance, Cassius and Vanessa Francis from African and Caribbean Education Consultancy in the midlands, and there will be creative media and music from young people.

Rev Katei Kirby, CEO of ACEA said: “The objective of our conference is to equip leaders to serve children and young people effectively, and be a resource and support for the work that the majority of them do on a voluntary basis. It is also an excellent opportunity to build relationships with other agencies, for networking and for sharing good practice."

ACEA aims to provide those working in black majority churches and other community organisations with the tools and information to confidently support and guide young people and to help them make positive contributions to their community and wider society.

Those attending the conference will also have the opportunity to sign up for ACEA’s CRB disclosure service, the part-time youth work course validated by Oxford Brookes University, and take up individual membership of ACEA, the UK’s leading umbrella organisation for black Christians in Britain.