‘He waka eke noa’
(We sail this waka together)
Our island community is morphing and growing in many ways. Those who are navigating and leading this change are our young people.
The kaupapa of Kaiārahi Rangatahi is to…
…listen to the voices of people of Aotea aged 12-21.
…provide a point of connection for islanders young and old to share skills with each other using tuakana-teina as a model for learning and mutual support.
…be participatory and strengths-based.
…focus on the mana atua/ well-being of our young people
Whether you are young or old, this is an invitation and an opportunity for you to help create a new way of learning that builds upon local mātauranga to strengthen connections with this motu and broaden horizons at the same time.
We are working collaboratively with the students and staff of the Aotea Learning Hub, Kawa and Motairehe Marae and any other community groups and individuals who have something to offer.
Call Ebony, Rodney, or Sam to talk more about this initiative. We’d like to hear your ideas.
Kaiārahi Rangatahi Youth Navigators:
Rodney Ngawaka (022 461 7150)
Sam Grimshaw (021 029 786 08)
youth.navigator@aoteafamilysupport.co.nz
Or
Kaiārahi Rangatahi Program Coordinator:
ebony.kite-bell@aoteafamilysupport.co.nz
The Kaiārahi Rangatahi/Youth Navigator programme is a resource for all young people on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. We are here to:
- Provide Youth Worker support through individual goal and action planning.
- Encourage physical, social and emotional well-being through open discussion around healthy lifestyle options, and by offering a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
- Help keep them engaged in their education by working alongside the Aotea Learning Hub
- Provide information, advice and guidance around careers pathways or further study options. We can help with job applications and CV writing, and connect rangatahi with courses or other opportunities that may be offered both off-island and here.
- Help develop new connections through outdoor activities, group mahi in community gardens, etc.
- Offer the opportunity for young people to explore their creative side and to pursue their artistic and musical goals.
- Raise awareness of social, environmental and political issues that affect us all with an emphasis on critical thinking. We aim to help open up spaces for young people to voices their concerns.
- Provide information, referral and advocacy and support young people who are at risk or in crisis.
The Kaiārahi Rangatahi / Youth Navigator Program is organised by the Aotea Family Support Group
(Funded by the Ministry for Youth Development – Ākonga Youth Development Community Fund and Foundation North)