An empowerment programme in it’s pilot phase at a Kaikohe school has received high praise from local leaders.
Kaikohe Christian School is one of several organisations piloting The Young Adults’ Power Project, which focuses on social development through better education.
The programme is based on Northland educator Gwendolyn Needham’s book Dear Young Adults of the World.
Ms Needham says she developed the programme to arm fellow educators, parents and community leaders. She aims to pluck the region’s youth out of despair and empower them to live successful lives, without depression and crime.
“In Northland, the issues are chronic,” she says. “About 12 per cent of younger people are at risk of poor outcomes. Northland’s high youth suicide rates, and the recent crime spree in Kaikohe were “symptoms of our society”. “
The Kaikohe school’s guest tutors, Toro and Lee Mason, reported that Year 13 students were engaged, motivated, and beginning to grasp the wider concepts of successful living, as they plan better futures and understand life-choices.
Deputy principal Yvonne Vujcich says the programme fills a gap in social development for young people today.
“YAPP4u [gives] essential foundations for life and work. And it’s relevant for parents, caring friends, whanau, and whole communities. We’re all in this together. I’ve read the excellent books, learned much myself, and thoroughly recommend this inspiring initiative.”
Meanwhile, Far North District Council Mayor John Carter has already expressed interest and is supporting the programme. Plans for a public community leaders’ meeting to discuss the programme in Kaikohe are in the pipeline.
Ms Needham, who is a nurse and Anglican priest, is originally from Kaitaia but now based in Whangarei. The Kaikohe school’s guest tutors, Toro and Lee Mason, reported that Year 13 students were engaged, motivated, and beginning to grasp the wider concepts of successful living, as they plan better futures and understand life-choices.
Deputy principal Yvonne Vujcich says the programme fills a gap in social development for young people today.
“YAPP4u [gives] essential foundations for life and work. And it’s relevant for parents, caring friends, whanau, and whole communities. We’re all in this together. I’ve read the excellent books, learned much myself, and thoroughly recommend this inspiring initiative.”
Meanwhile, Far North District Council Mayor John Carter has already expressed interest and is supporting the programme. Plans for a public community leaders’ meeting to discuss the programme in Kaikohe are in the pipeline.
Ms Needham, who is a nurse and Anglican priest, is originally from Kaitaia but now based in Whangarei.