Located in a small township outside of Harare, Glenview United Methodist Church has a membership of more than 2,000 with an average weekly attendance of approximately 1,500. More than 500 students are registered in its church school program. The one- building classroom that serves for church school must double as the local preschool center during the week. The preschool program operates without funds and relies on volunteers for staff. The minimal supply of books, toys, etc., come from charitable contributions.

Youth make up an impressive number of the congregation and are actively involved in Glenview's outreach to the local community. Among recent programs in which young adults have been involved are drama shows that they staged in the Harare West District to raise funds to contribute to residents in charitable homes. To date, the youth group has raised money for food, clothing, and other necessities for Chinyardzo Children's Home and Highfield Senior Citizens' Home.

Church leaders are concerned about the high unemployment rate among young people and express a desire to be more responsive to them in this area. "We want to encourage the youths who come to us with a desire to learn welding skills and how to use video cameras, copying machines, and computers," said Francis Dyogo, church treasurer for Ministry to Women and Children. "Our young people have spoken to us of their desire to start businesses, such as a typing service. It is not easy to keep them optimistic when the reality is that the church does not yet own a typewriter or a computer. . . . Whatever we can get in the way of assistance to respond more effectively to our children and youths will be deeply appreciated."

January 4, 1999

Contributions to the work of children and youth at Glenview United Methodist Church can be supported through Development of Christian Education Material, Advance Project #012813-6RA.