by Jed Baker

It's a weekday in South Dunedin, with a full-on crowd getting stuck into the action after a busy day at school.

The games and the conversation are energetic as a group of adult Christians keep a steady eye on how things are going for the young people in their midst.

They do their homework, work on the computers provided and let off excess energy in the gymnasium and on the pool table.

The place: Southside Youth Centre in King Edward Street. The time: Tuesday afternoon.

The whole initiative is the result of efforts by Dunedin South Presbyterian Church to provide a facility for 11-13 year olds.

The scheme focuses on working on the "heart, mind, soul and strength" of the dozen or so youngsters in keeping with Biblical teaching.

With six paid staff and two Bible College of New Zealand interns helping, the crowd get together most days at the centre but also have outdoor activities including weekend camps, beach trips, picnics and barbeques.

The Christian ethos of the group is strong, although the young people come from different backgrounds. However, a cell group has started up on Fridays at the centre, which several Southside youths attend as part of its exit programme.

Nicole Ross, (12) a student at Macandrew Intermediate, came to Southside with friends last year.

"I thought it was alright and I got to like it more and more because of the teaching," she says.

"It's a good place and I see myself coming here until it finishes."

Forbury School student Jared Patterson (11) says Southside appealed to him because of the activities and atmosphere.

"There were a lot of games and you can keep out of trouble on the streets," he says.

"We just want to have a lot of fun."

Manager Charles Hamahona says word about the project circulated around schools and youth aid workers.

"It's about growing people with purpose and finding their God-given selves."

Charles says the programme targets 11 to 13-year-olds for a particular reason, as this is a vital age in their development. "They're impressionable and still haven't found their shape whereas by 14 to 16, they're a lot more shaped."

About 80 percent of the young people come from single-parent families, and Charles sees the Southside staff providing male and female role models for those who attend the programme.

Goal setting, obtaining social skills and dealing with emotional issues are key matters which the staff deal with.

An ongoing evaluation process for both youth and parents is providing some good feedback for Southside, Charles says.

For example, one of the youngsters gave an evaluation statement which said "Things are good with me at the moment. It's sweet and the teaching is cool."

Parents have also commented on the changing attitudes and behaviour of their children since they came to Southside.

"It's marvellous to hear that news come back as it vindicates what we do here," Charles says. "We're here to create the whole person."