Salvation Army Creates Next Generation of Leaders

Like many high schoolers, Zainab and Noah experienced similar struggles, as they were reluctant to engage in school activities and were shy around their peers. Connecting with The Salvation Army made a dramatic difference in their lives.

Zainab, a determined Grade 10 student, faced the challenges of adolescence, complicated by her family’s move from Pakistan to Canada in 2023. Initially, she struggled to find her place, often sitting quietly in the corner of her high school classroom, yearning for more involvement and friendship. Without local community connections, she was also behind on her mandatory volunteer hours and needed to find an opportunity to complete them.

Similarly, 16-year-old Noah was looking for a way to overcome his shyness, be more outgoing, and make new friends, which usually takes time for him to feel comfortable.

Both Zainab and Noah found solace in the transformative Teen Life and Leadership program, held weekly at The Salvation Army Milton Khi Community Church. The group, for students aged 13-17, encourages participation in faith discussions, sharing opinions in a safe space, and giving back to their community.

Bringing About Change

Zainab and Noah made new friends, took part in open conversations where teens shared their stories and supported each other, enjoyed fun activities, and planned local improvement initiatives that included wrapping Christmas gifts, a kids’ scavenger hunt at the Milton Farmers’ Market, and Mother’s Day festivities.

“The Salvation Army helped me get involved in the community,” Zainab says. “I opened up to people and started talking. I had never spoken to as many people as I did at the Farmers’ Market!”

For Noah, the program helped him recognize his strengths and become more confident and outgoing. Noah highlights the Easter egg hunt and neighbourhood clean-up as his favourite activities.

“As soon as I walked in the door at Teen Life and Leadership, I felt welcomed,” he says. “If others are nervous like me, I would say there is nothing to be worried about. Everyone in the group became my new friends.”

Building Bonds

Teen Life and Leadership creates lasting connections among participants, says Milton Khi Captain Ruth Hickman, who emphasizes the program’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“It’s been great to see how naturally the kids converse openly and respectfully with each other regardless of their background,” she says. “This is a holistic program focused on the development of the mind, body, and soul.”

Through the program, Zainab has become more self-assured and determined, traits noticed by her peers and teachers. She now regularly joins group discussions and has signed up to be a peer mentor for students starting Grade 9.

“The best skill I learned was my ability to communicate,” Zainab says. “The Salvation Army helped me get involved in the community and they are great at getting people engaged to help make a difference. I am now confident and taking advantage of opportunities at school to build upon these skills.”

Noah adds, “As soon as you take that step, you are going to be welcomed by The Salvation Army and you are going to have a lot of fun. You are going to be okay.”

Both high schoolers plan to return to the group in September. Their stories prove that with the right support, determination, and hard work, anyone can overcome their fears and achieve their full potential through The Salvation Army’s innovative and transformative programs.

To support vital Salvation Army initiatives in Milton and across Ontario, please visit www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By Chris McGregor