25 October 2007
Keepin It Real aims to help children through the challenges of modern life
A resource book for children and youth leaders aims to
help 9 to 13-year-olds focus on the issues of respect, reputation
and conflict.
Keepin' It Real is produced by the Methodist Church and ecumenical
children's charity CURBS. It is aimed for use with 9 to
13-year-olds and addresses four main topics: communication,
reputation, conflict and negotiation as they effect young people
today.
Keepin' It Real comes at a time when the Government is asking
schools to help teach children good manners and behaviour, and also
to help them deal with anxiety, anger and conflicts.
Penny Fuller from MethodistChildren says "there are lots of
resources to help young people deal with topics like sexuality and
drugs, but not to help with less tangible things like reputation.
Yet we frequently hear that some teenagers are carrying weapons
either for self-protection or 'Street Cred', and we see in the news
the terrible consequences this can have. Keepin' It Real aims to
help young people deal with these situations in very practical
ways."
Charity CURBS specialises in working with children in urban
situations, and its experience enriches the practical wisdom
offered by Keepin' It Real. But, says Penny, it does not only apply
to inner cities. "Children and teenagers everywhere are under
tremendous pressure. Keepin' It Real will help equip them to deal
with difficult situations. Everyone gains when young people can
find their way through life."