Project details
The second Teen Building programme run by Save the Children New Zealand, this project aims to support disadvantaged youth in the country obtain additional social, emotional, civic, physical and cognitive skills to help them in their future. The program engages participants in a mutually beneficial relationship which gives them opportunities to participate in matters relevant to youth, both nationally and internationally.
The programme is run in association with Mistletoe Bay Trust and assists groups of youths aged 14-17 to develop the skills necessary to be successful in their daily lives. The students are drawn from lower-decile schools, where young people may not receive opportunities which help them to realise their full potential. While the project is for all ethnic groups, there is a particular emphasis on those with Maori and Pasifika backgrounds.
A total of 41 young people were involved in the project in 2015, across three separate school holiday periods. The participants travelled to Mistletoe Bay Eco Village Centre in the Marlborough Sounds for four days of classroom learning and outdoor activities. The workshop covered topics such as self-understanding, positive mental health, conservation, problem solving, team building and child rights and responsibilities.
Outcomes
The Teen Building programme not only benefits the chosen students, but also their families, schools and the wider community through an increase in their communication skills, self-esteem and sense of responsibility.
Most participants have since become actively involved in Save the Children’s Youth Ambassador Programme, which promotes the voice of young people in New Zealand and overseas. These ambassadors have contributed to a range of different reports for Save the Children NZ, including one on the rights of the child being upheld in New Zealand, which has gone on to the United Nations. Other projects include Action2015; a campaign intended to raise awareness about Sustainable Development Goals and another report sent to the Office of the Children’s Commissioner on their views of education in New Zealand Schools.
Some programme graduates have also been asked to return to Mistletoe Bay as mentors for the new rounds of the Teen Building exercise.
Feedback
Participants of the programme have given their insights into the benefits they received from the Teen Building project:
“I believe that Save the Children made a huge difference in my life and helped me grow more as a person. At the beginning I was quite nervous and had no confidence at all and this experience taught me that before you give up, experience it first and then see how you feel. I definitely gained confidence. I love the work that was done. It was a very fun but educating experience. Leaving this programme, I believe I can make a change in my generation.” Adut, aged 15.
“I am afraid of a lot of things but this Teen Building camp helped me see to give everything a go. To feel the fear but do it anyway. A great experience I will remember for a very long time”. Zainab, aged 15
“I became more confident and I love to talk to others more. I also learnt things that I have never experienced before such as kayaking and sailing” Sylvi, aged 16
In addition, teachers from the programme had some feedback of their own:
“The Teen Building Programme has been fantastic for our students. The students have come back to school with a real sense of purpose and with increased confidence and leadership skills. One of our students has just been elected onto the CHCH youth council and that in no small part has been to do with her going on this programme” Justin Fields, Deputy Principal of Catholic Cathedral College, Christchurch.
“We are a decile 3 school; many of our students come from low income and or single parent families. This limits our families and students in many ways. This programme provides opportunity for students to experience quality teachers and counsellors in a wonderful environment that parents and students are coming to trust and support. We would like this to be an annual and sustainable programme that can correct some of the issues our students and families face.” Patricia Siataga, Careers Advisor and Cultural Liaison at Catholic Cathedral College, Christchurch
What next?
We are looking forward to delivering the Teen Building programme again in 2016 with the generous help of Footprints Network donors. Their contribution of $20,000 AUD will assist with food, accommodation and travel costs.
Project Background
Around 24% or 260,000 New Zealand children live in poverty (based on the commonly used income poverty threshold of income less than 60% of the median, after adjusting for housing costs). The social consequences of child poverty are long term and manifold. Research shows that children that grow up in poverty tend to have poorer health in adulthood, gain fewer educational and vocational qualifications, have higher rates of unemployment, get into trouble with the law more often, and die younger.
SCNZ’s youth development programme is situated in a context where significant inequities exist in child wellbeing statistics. Maori and Pasifika children are disproportionately affected by child poverty. 34% of Maori children and 34% of Pasifika children are living in poverty, compared to 17% of Pakeha children living in poverty. Enduring disparities in health and education exist, for example 18% of Maori and 16% of Pasifika children are not achieving basic literacy and numeracy skills by age 10 compared to 4% of Non-Maori and Non-Pasifika children, and Maori and Pasifika children and those living in more deprived areas experience a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality.
Project Objectives
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The Teen Building programme has two main aims:
- To support disadvantaged young people to obtain additional social/emotional, civic, physical, cognitive and personal/cultural skills to help them face current and future challenges.
- To engage them with Save the Children New Zealand in a mutually beneficial relationship that gives them opportunities to participate in matters that are relevant for youth nationally and internationally.
ActivitiesParticipants will be drawn from lower decile schools, where young people may lack the opportunities that can help them to realise their full potential. The programme has a particular focus on working with Maori and Pasifika young people and we expect a large number of participants will come from these communities. |
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Three times a year a group of up to 20 young people aged 14 to 17 will travel to the Mistletoe Bay Eco Village Centre in the Marlborough Sounds for four days. They will engage in both outdoor activities and classroom learning. Topics covered will include self-understanding, positive mental health, problem solving, team building and opportunities for service and civic participation.
A pilot has already been completed with the first group visiting Mistletoe Bay in April 2015.
The programme’s annual cost is around $60,000. This $20,000 donation will assist SCNZ to fund accommodation, food and travel costs for participants. 
Project Partners
SCNZ has partnered with the Mistletoe Bay Trust to deliver the Teen Building programme. The Mistletoe Bay Trust is a not for profit charity based at the Mistletoe Bay Eco Village Centre in the Marlborough Sounds. Its focus is to develop interest and provide education in the areas of conservation and sustainability.
Testimonials from ParticipantsWhat participants learnt about themselves: |
“I learnt about the psychological side of my personality, thoughts, behaviour and feelings. It was very interesting and I am glad I had this opportunity to expand my knowledge of myself.”
“I came to realise just how far my own strength could go before I snapped. It had never occurred to me just how much of something I can take until it all boils over and becomes too much. I found that I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”
On skills learnt to manage moods:
“I learnt new coping strategies, even if some didn't work right away. I found out more about how I could channel my emotions and thoughts down to a single feeling or worry.”
“To bend my knees when I'm stressed. Breathe 40 times.”
“I don't usually have positive methods to manage my mood and after learning more about the ways I can successfully change my mood and behaviour, I feel more confident to use these methods and skills in the future on a day to day basis.”
This program is run by Save the Children New Zealand.