Winnipeg ALSO signing in!

The ALSO group in Winnipeg has been having a meaningful and intense time of learning in the North End of the city.

The Winnipeg ALSO group outside the Graffiti Gallery in downtown Winnipeg, showing off their urban art creations.

A lot of time has been spent listening to stories of poverty and social issues at the fore front of inner city Winnipeg.  We heard from Kenny at the Vinyard Flatlanders Centre on Main Street about how he miraculously had his criminal record erased and now has a passport and can travel internationally for missions represented by his church.  

We heard from Brandon, who through RAY (Resource Assistance for Youth) got off his addictions to hard drugs and now is helping other youth on the street. 

At the Graffiti Gallery we saw how after school art programs are helping kids at risk stay off the street and learn to market their creativity rather than expressing themselves in a criminal way.  

We heard from Dale, a residential school survivor (thought after his story, the students thought he was more of victor!) His message of forgiveness and peace making was inspiring.  

We heard stories of police brutality from Copwatch, a citizen organization who documents unfair police action against the public.

Today we spent time in Siloam, a drop in centre, shelter, soup kitchen and clinic run by the Nazarene Church of Canada. There we worked the kitchen preparing breakfast and served on the front line. 

All these experiences have affected the students deeply, and we look forward to hearing how it changes them later on in life.