The Eagles Nest Youth Dance Group, our young faces from Africa, was founded by Pastor Debra Taylor–Ajala. The T.E.N dance group was started in 2006 but actually came together in April 2007. The aim of the dance group is to bring the youth in the community together. The eagles nest is a youth development charity, an arm of the Lighthouse Christian Centre, Luton, as such, our programmes are designed to give participants as rewarding and wide-ranging as experience as possible through cultural dance, drumming lessons, African languages, food tasting, story telling, poetry, black history, cultural, drama performances, displaying their creative talent and increase cultural diversity.

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Our aim is also to develop dynamic personal and social educational classes for our youth. This will be an opportunity to break down racial and sometimes social barriers among the youth. Diversity in cultures broadens their horizon and therefore maximises potential. We demonstrate teaching skills by introducing high quality African arts and dance and in turn our youth will teach other youth in the community through performances. On each project participants and staff will be supporting each other as a team to overcome challenges and achieve the project goals. The youth will develop skills such a leadership and teamwork as well as self- confidence and a strong social and environmental conscience. They will constantly surprise themselves and leave with a real sense of achievement. This educational project will enable youth to feel inclusive and broaden their education by helping youth to be aware of other cultural and heritage and may develop a feeling of self-worth.

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This will also encourage better understanding of different people, places and cultures in our local community. The risks and challenges facing young people are all too evident-drugs, alcohol, gangs, bullying, crime, early pregnancy, etc, all of which can lead to increased numbers of youth drifting into lives of underachievement, disillusion, disempowerment and anti social behaviour. We will encourage youth from diverse backgrounds to join T.E.N in order to promote global awareness and social integration.
The Eagles Nest youth dance group meets every Saturday in Luton, with the help of some parents. We wish to thank Winnie, Lucia, Abigail, Denise, and all the parents and staff. T.E.N is part of Luton and Bedfordshire youth association, (lubya)
Pastor Debra had worked with youth over the years and is currently a foster carer for Luton borough council and had been for a good few years. She is married to Bishop John Kola Ajala. They have five children and foster teenagers
www.tenministries.org

Charity no 1084606