New Girls Brigade branch opens for young women in Custom House
Girls Brigade volunteers with Councillor Pat Holland (black and white blouse in the centre) - Credit: Archant
A new Christian-based after school group has been set up for the first time in Newham to support the development of young women.
Girls Brigade volunteers with Councillor Pat Holland (black and white blouse in the centre) - Credit: Archant
Girls Brigade, an organisation which runs similar groups worldwide, has opened up its first branch in the borough thanks to the leadership of Bose Agbesanwa.
Around 32 girls turned up to the first meeting at Custom House Baptist Church in Prince Regent Lane last Thursday evening (September 4) where Cllr Patricia Holland made a speech alongside Sally Claydon from the Girls Brigade head office.
Bose, whose husband is the reverend of the church, said: “We hope to help their development for the future by helping them to improve their self-esteem, leading them on with entrepreneur skills, encouraging their talents.
“It will be Christian-based so we will pray together but it will not be too churchy-churchy.
“We will have fun as well and teach the girls how to be Good Samaritans and how to be useful to the community.
“People are always saying ‘oh Newham is a poor borough’ but we want to change that and show that these girls can really make something of their lives.”
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The young women will also learn about modern issues such as cyber-bullying, sexual awareness, and they hope to go on residential trips to help people in other countries.
Girls Brigade is open to girls aged five to 18 and they meet every Thursday during school term time at Custom House Baptist Church from 5pm to 7pm.
To join, simply turn up and sign a membership form or call the church on 02074762027.
