Berlin, November 28, 2011 (CD-EUD). The Livingroom Youth Church of Mainz, founded in 2006, has won the 'Gold Hope Prize’, thanks to the 'Chancengleichheit' project (Equal Opportunities Project).
The Livingroom Youth Church is a local congregation of the Seventh-day Adventist church. It aims to be a church that is in tune with the times, where young people can find freedom and feel at home, where people experience true love and community, where people follow Christ's lifestyle, where talents are discovered and promoted, a church where there is passion, constant growth and that has a positive impact on our society. "We help people to grow their personalities and to build up a relationship with Jesus Christ," said one of the founder.
The Equal Opportunities Project of Livingroom provides disadvantaged children and teenagers with prospects for the future, under the motto "In everybody lies a hero." These include offers of non-formal education in the school setting – similar to a Scout club - homework help and individual tutoring. In cooperation with three elementary and secondary schools in Mainz, as well as with a youth centre, students with little or no parental support are targete
d as well as people who have low economic or educational standards, a migrant background, or a socially-disadvantaged environment in their residential district. Currently, more than 30 people, mainly students, work as volunteers. More than 50 students are supported over the school year. Livingroom is also successfully providing a Pathfinder education program in some elementary schools of Mainz.
The Gold Hope Prize
The "Hope Initiative - serve in word and deed" is a network of over 70 individuals who represent different Christian associations, churches and communities. It was founded by the German Evangelical Alliance and invites all Christians from all denominations and congregations to participate. Further details can be found on the website www.initiativehoffnung.de/hoffnungspreis.
The 'Hope Award' of the Year 2011 awards exemplary commitment and witnessing of Christian charity. It was launched in Germany and the first place is awarded with €500, an award sculpture and a concert. The 19-member jury awarded Livingroom with the first prize. The award was presented during a ceremony held on 23.11.2011 in the German Bundestag in Berlin.
Jessica Dietrich, Project Director of Equal Opportunities Project, was pleased about the recognition. "This award belongs to all the volunteers who use their free time to serve other people." Veit Claesberg, coordinator of the "Hope Initiative", congratulated Livingroom with the words, "You are the winner, but a lot more people have won - the ones you have served in the name of Jesus Christ". Christian Faber, executive of the Livingroom Board, especially thanked the 'Hope Initiative': "We are happy that our project has set an example for cohesion in our society. Livingroom would like to inspire many more people and sponsors to make such a commitment."
Ruben Grieco, preacher at the Livingroom Youth church, added, "We thank God for this award. Over 90% of our work and mission is done by young people. God is blessing our commitment and faith."
Livingroom has many social and charitable activities. Information about Equal Opportunities Project is available from www.livingroom.info and chancengleichheit.livingroom.info.
