GIByouth: Time to Shine event a big success
The Youth Service have four different Youth Clubs: Dolphins, Laguna, Plater and the Youth Centre which all cater for different activities, ages and demographics. Dolphins, Laguna and Plater are all situated in the more residential areas of Gibraltar whereas the Youth Centre is in a very central location.
Senior Youth Worker, Charlene Figueras said, “The Youth Centre is very central so people come to us for the projects rather than for the location like the other youth clubs. We welcome everyone.”
The work that the Youth Service does is tightly knit with other associations and organisations to provide education and help to the younger members of the community. The opportunities that the Youth service provides can also support young people to live their lives as confident individuals, effective contributors and successful learners.
Time to Shine showcased ‘Rags 2 Riches’, ‘Movement & Expression Arts’, ‘Wearable Art’, the ‘Joyful Riot’ and had open mic slots for people to get on stage and sing their hearts out.
‘Rags 2 Riches’ was an upcycling fashion project where youth service users customized, sowed and painted old clothes to conjure up a new designs into clothes and accessories. The clothes were designed from Monday the 15th of July to Friday the 19th of July at the Youth Centre and was catered towards people from the ages of 10 to 16.
‘Movement & Expression Arts’ was a project for service users from the age of 8 onwards which allowed those who participated the chance to get creative with drama. In this year’s project, the team did their own rendition of Alice in Wonderland.
‘Wearable Art’ is in its second year running and had the young people encouraged to create art pieces to photograph, wear and perform. This event was for those from the ages of 12 onwards and, like Rags 2 Riches, was on display in the form of a catwalk for those who attended last Thursday.
This year, the Youth Service also offered a photographic session on film cameras which was on display on a slide show. The young people took dolls all around Gibraltar and photographed these at their favourite spots.
The ‘Joyful Riot’ is a choir group which is open to absolutely everybody of all ages, regardless of any previous musical background or training. It is a project which has increased social fulfilment, reduced anxiety and stress levels and boosted confidence for all those involved.
A member of the Joyful Riot said, “We are a spirit, we are an atmosphere and I think hopefully, you’ll agree that when you hear us sing, you’ll feel part of that atmosphere. We are inviting anyone, any age, any ability to just join us and be part of what is effectively a joyful riot.”
There are many exciting future events that the youth service have in store for all clubs around Gibraltar. To find out more about these events or if you’re interested in joining or getting someone to join the youth service/club(s), contact mzammit@gibraltar.gov.gi or go on youth.gi for more information.
09-09-2019 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
