In a quest to keep young people out of trouble and active, the leaders of the Ebenezer Youth Group are hosting a conference for the youth at Otjiwarongo.

With young people being the most prolific perpetrators of criminal activities and finding themselves on the wrong side of the law, Ebenezer Youth leaders are doing their bit to teach them to be responsible and disciplined youths.

"To prevent them from being exposed to the crime that is on the increase today. Then we are here for youth development. God has called you to develop; you are born with a special talent. And we are here to make you aware. So that you can build on the talent that God gave you," said Barbara Gariseb, head pastor at Ebenezer.

The Ebenezer youth conference started 36 years ago, and its leaders have been committed to hosting the conference yearly in different towns, added Maria Shinoveni, president of the group. "I am applauding our heroes and heroines for the program whereby the young people of this world must not be demolished or destroyed by different types of circumstances."

Samuel !Oe-Amseb, President of the Association of Local Authorities Namibia, was also present."This conference is a university of note, and we are very proud of what it has produced over the period of 35 years."

The head pastor at Ebenezer Church, Bon Rooinasie, said the youth conference needs to grow and expand in different areas. "We want this conference to pass resolutions about youth development programs through your youth president so that your council can deliberate on them."

The conference is being attended by youth from all walks of life, while some elders have also joined to spend the festive season in the company of the youth.

The conference started on December 22 and will continue until the New Year.