The Lord has moved in big ways in South Africa! In 2022, Young Life leaders knew over 13,000 kids by name and over 300 kids attended Campaigner groups each week!
At the southernmost tip of the African continent resides a country with a very fitting name – South Africa. Up until 1994, it was ruled by a white minority, which enforced a separation of races with its policy “apartheid.” After decades of international isolation, armed opposition and mass protests, it negotiated its way out of power. The now-democratic South African leadership is trying to encourage reconciliation and redress social imbalances, although it is difficult. South Africa currently has one of the continent’s biggest and most developed economies. Official unemployment is roughly 30% of the workforce and runs significantly higher among black youth. Of South Africa's 59 million people, black Africans make up 80.7% of the population. 34% of the population is under the age of 18. There are 11 official languages in South Africa, and Christians make up 81% of the population.
Young Life in South Africa began in 2012, and by the grace of God has grown exponentially. The area director of Young Life in South Africa is Pierre de Hager, a white man who grew up in a farming family during the apartheid era. The Lord did an amazing transformation in the hearts of Pierre and his wife Rentia, moving them from deep-seated prejudice to loving African teens of all colors for Christ. They have trained and mentored Young Life leaders in Zimbabwe and South Africa and oversee 111 volunteer leaders. Because of Young Life, kids all over South Africa have heard the gospel message, and about 400 kids attend Club and 300 attend Campaigners every week within 30 ministries!
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Growth (2022) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kids Known by Name | 2,093 |
|
13,661 | 35% | |||
Avg. Kids at Clubs | 716 | 868 | 805 |
|
417 | 332% | |
Avg. Kids in Campaigners | 282 | 419 | 457 |
|
304 | 14% | |
Number of Ministries | 14 | 18 | 18 |
|
30 | 7% | |
National Staff | 4 | 4 | 4 |
|
7 | 250% | |
DGL | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0% | |
Kids & Leaders to Camp | 577 | 992 | 69 | 162 | 463 | 186% |
Young Life in South Africa began in 2012, and by the grace of God has grown exponentially. An area director of Young Life in South Africa is Pierre de Hager, a white man who grew up in a farming family during the apartheid era. Yet the Lord did an amazing transformation in the hearts of Pierre and his wife Rentia, moving them from deep-seeded prejudice to loving African teens of all colors for Christ. They have trained and mentored Young Life leaders in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
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