24-7 Youth Work
Mentoring
Mentoring one-to-one both in school and out of school is fundamental to what we do as Youth Development workers. Rangatahi who are in need of extra support are recommended to us through channels such as the Guidance department, Deans, teachers and self-referal .
We get to hang out one-on-one with the rangatahi and go on a journey with each of them by building deep connections. These journey’s can look very different for each rangatahi, sometimes it is just hanging in the library, shooting hoops or playing games.
Other times it is supporting the rangatahi to set goals and work towards achieving them. Each time it is about connecting with the rangatahi, valuing the individual and the journey that they are on and investing in building whānaungatanga with all of the rangatahi that we serve.
Breakfast Club
Each day we run a breakfast club at Te Aratai College providing toast, weetbix, fruit and hot chocolates before school starts to fuel rangatahi for their school day.
We create a relaxed and safe environment where inclusivity and connection are fundamental. While the College is part of the ‘Kickstart National Breakfast Club’ in schools, Kāwai Rangatahi will often supplement the breakfasts on offer. A few times a term we provide some extra treats such a bacon, hot cross buns or pancakes. As well as the kai, our youth workers set up board games and activities as another way to engage with rangatahi.
This is a wonderful opportunity that we have to sit and eat with rangatahi and build whānaungatanga.
Resilience Groups
Resilience Groups run on a weekly basis throughout the year in both Te Aratai College and Te Kura ō Ōpāwaho/Ōpāwa School. Our Youth Development workers take small groups of rangatahi through our Resilience Programme exploring topics such as E Tū Tangata, Te Whare Tapa Wha, strengths, life skills, friendships and many more topics relevant to the rangatahi taking part in the group.
These groups are an opportunity for rangatahi to connect with their peers and learn valuable life skills.
Lunchtime Activities
During lunchtimes you will find our Youth Development Workers out and about hanging out with rangatahi at both Te Aratai College and Te Kura Ō Ōpāwaho/Ōpāwa School. Each week our Youth Development Workers put on organised activities such as sports, games, crafts and other indoor activities for rangatahi to join in with.