Christine Sterlini and Chris Knowles are currently interning for a new Catholic Charity devoted to hearing the voice of young people. Million Minutes launched on Don Bosco day this year and so far has 385,920 pounds (and minutes of silence) pledged to go into funding projects to help empower young people.

Christine, who has recently returned from volunteering with BOVA in Swaziland said that "it is really exciting being able to be part of such a great new venture", "I was really keen to do something for young people on returning from Swaziland, and this has been a great opportunity". Chris who volunteered at Savio House and has been involved in various other Salesian projects said that "Million Minutes is a great idea at a time when the young can easily get forgotten, I would urge anyone interested in helping the young of today to get involved".

The idea is very simple, people get sponsored to stay silent and aim to get a pound a minute. Some people have committed to stay silent for a whole day. Silence is a great opportunity to experience God, and if we stay silent, we can allow the young's voices to be herd. The project is funding the Cardinal Hume Centre for homeless young people, the Jimmy Mizen foundation working for justice on the streets, Young Christian Workers to help develop young leaders and Progressio who will help to empower the young overseas. Alongside this Million Minutes hope to offer grants for projects that are in line with their aims.

Christine and Chris are helping out at a crucial time as the charity develops, to get involved see the websites below.

www.millionminutes.org

www.facebook.com/millionminutes

www.twitter.com/million_minutes