A youth worker who couldn’t get funding to set up a youth club has taken matters into his own hands and launched a charity shop to bring in the cash he needs.
George Kufa opened the doors of the Kingdom Power Charity Shop in Hemel Hempstead’s High Street yesterday to start his campaign to inspire and encourage young people in the town.
Mr Kufa – a pastor of the Kingdom Power Church – has already set up The Winners Youth Club in Bletchley and wants to reach out to more youngsters.
He said: “I approached Dacorum Borough Council but have found that funding for church charities is quite restricted but I love what I do and decided to find another way of raising the money.
“I have a big passion for empowering and inspiring young people.
“Through my work I know that they need people to speak to and share their views. It’s important to understand them and create a platform for them.
“The youth club will be more than a venue with games.
“What we are trying to do is mentor and inspire them.
“We’ll bring in successful people to talk to them and also coaches to teach dance, music and other activities they may want to learn.”
Mr Kufa needs enough money to hire a venue, buy equipment and pay a youth worker but he hopes to be up and running early next year.
In the meantime he will find out what the area’s youth want.
He would also like to organise trips abroad for them so they can see a bit of the world.
He said: “I have already had some people asking about the club and so far five kids have listed their interest so we are doing our best for them.”
In the meantime he is appealing for volunteers to help out. Contact him on 01442 450465 and visit www.winners.weebly.com.