The Need In Our Community

It has been widely documented – and reported in the media – that there are a high number of youth in the local wider South Auckland area that are viewed as “at risk”. They are vulnerable to truancy, suspensions or exclusions, gang connections, substance abuse, and usually come from high-needs families.

Demand for our programs is increasing as schools and the community see the results we’re getting.

80% of the young people referred to the programs are Maori and research has shown that for each cohort of Maori students that enters Year 9 (the first year of secondary school), approximately 60% will leave school before they reach Year 13 (Ministry of Education, 2009a). 

Poor educational results for Maori have been described as a wastage of human potential which affects the nation as a whole, not just Maori alone (Hoani Waititi 1961,cited in Metge, 2001). This has resulted in intergenerational poverty due to lack of educational qualifications, connected to low-paid employment; unemployment; benefit dependence and even crime and imprisonment (Department of Corrections, 2007).Our specialized support can break the intergenerational cycle, reduce truancy, increase student self-identity and respect with improve academic results. 

Our involvement helps create stronger connections between schools, families and support groups and sense of unity that encourages struggling young people.