COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
A creative minds workspace for young people
The Community Workshop is designed to offer young people between the ages of 16 and 25 practical, hands-on experience in simple arts and crafts with the aim of buildiing resilient futures and a strong community.
A large section of our workshop focuses on basic vehicle maintenance in our bespoke workshop. Our goal is to provide an absorbing, practical environment whilst raising awareness of the dangers of illegal migration and gang involvement, as well as promoting local employment opportunities. These free workshops will serve to reduce the number of young people who might otherwise be drawn into criminal ventures, or be at risk of being caught up in modern slavery and human trafficking.
There will be opportunities for discipling (deliberately helping one another to grow in conformity to Jesus) and mentoring of the young people throughout, as well as encouraging and strengthening the hope that they need whilst they enjoy this practical training.
Changing young peoples lives one at a time
Location and Facilities: The workshop is within walking distance of Delvine town centre and is suitable for Arts and Crafts and vehicle maintenance and day courses. The venue will contain essential tools and a vehicle ramp to allow hands-on maintenance work.
Capacity: Designed to accommodate small groups for effective, focused learning.
Frequency: Three afternoons a week.
Duration: Each session will last between 3 to 4 hours.
Target Beneficiaries: Young people who may be vulnerable to gang recruitment or illegal migration pressures.
Practical Training
Car maintenance section
Participants will work directly on a raised vehicle to learn basic car maintenance, such as engine oil and oil filter; changing oil and filters; exhausts; inspection and basic adjustments; brakes and steering; checking and understanding brake pads and steering components; fluid and coolant levels and learning to check and refill necessary fluids.
Each participant will practise using tools such as impact wrenches and torque wrenches to tighten bolts correctly, simulating real-world mechanical work. The centre aims to foster greater motivation to seek local opportunities, to develop resilience to resist the false expectations involved in illegal migration, and greater informed decision-making among Albania's youth. Through practical training, awareness sessions, and employment pathways, it seeks to create a supportive community environment that discourages illegal migration and gang involvement.
In addition to the practical topics listed there will be a golden thread through the sessions of work ethics - basic principles of customer service, with recognising and avoiding corrupt practices.
Gang Culture Awareness: talks from community figures, such as a serving police officer from the UK, on the realities of gang life, exploitation, and the criminal justice system in the UK. We plan to translate every session.
Risks of Illegal Migration: Information on the dangers of the English Channel crossing, legal consequences, and the high likelihood of deportation and banning from the UK.
Long-term Consequences: Insights on time in prison (HMP) for those caught in criminal activities.
We will conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions with participants and community partners.