As part of its commitment to empower local communities, Virtue Life Foundation recently launched the NextGen initiative, a program specifically designed to enable and empower children.
Focusing on leadership and talent development, this initiative reflects a deep commitment towards community development and youth empowerment
The programme was organised during the summer vacation and covered children in the age group of 8 to 17 years.
It featured sessions on leadership, talent development, graphic design and coding, highlighting the importance of evolution over time.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Dr. Alexander Farranpozo, Chairman of Virtue Life Foundation, stressed the importance of investing in the younger generation to secure a positive future.
He added, “The future is in the hands of the younger generation. If we don't control that narrative, they risk absorbing negative influences from society.”
The NextGen initiative is a direct response to this challenge, aimed at guiding children and adolescents toward a productive and fulfilling future.
“Talent is important, but it is not enough. We need to take them into the future,” he said.
Farranpozo, who is also the senior pastor of Virtues Christian Centre, said the initiative quickly gained popularity in the community.
Initially, only a dozen children attended, but as the word spread, the numbers grew and many more children became interested in joining.
However, due to space constraints, only 32 participants could be accommodated in the programme.
“We had to turn away some children because our space was at capacity,” Reverend Farranpozo said, reflecting on the overwhelming response.
In addition to the academic sessions, the program also emphasized practical applications of the skills learned.
Participants were introduced to the world of Artificial Intelligence and its everyday applications from Siri to Google Maps.
“AI is already a part of our lives and it is important for children to understand this,” he said.
Farranpozo said the program’s success has sparked discussions about continuing the initiative and possibly expanding it so more children can benefit from it.
While there are no immediate plans to make NextGen an annual event, Rev. Farranpozo expressed openness to the idea depending on available resources.
The religious leader said the initiative also focuses on the role of parents and the community in shaping the future of youth.
Rev. Faranpozo stressed the need for collective responsibility in guiding children and highlighted that the role of the church is not just to preach but also to be actively involved in community development.
“Community development is the essence of the Gospel,” he said.
Rev. Farranpojo’s co-pastor, Mrs. Fumilola Farranpojo, also spoke about the impact of the programme, saying the initiative is not only about learning, but also about fun and personal growth.
Children engaged in debates, presentations and projects, which helped them discover and develop their talents.
“It was a level playing field for all of them. They were able to meet other kids from all walks of life,” he said.
The NextGen initiative is a testament to the power of community engagement and the church’s role in shaping the future.
Reverend Farranpozo and his team have shown that by investing in the younger generation, we can create a brighter, more responsible future for all
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