Making A Difference

Research has shown that young people who are paired with caring consistent adult role models and friends are likely to have:

 

 

  Children gardening at TKKM O Te Whare Tapere O Takitimu School 

"I'm sure there are many people out there doing the same or similar things.
All of them are shining lights and an inspiration for us to follow-maybe slightly more
 so in the time of recession-but at anytime really" 
 Derek Fox, Mana Magazine   

"I feel this is a very worthy project as it helps people access better nutrition, exercise and getting
 involved in gardening can do wonders for their self-esteem. I think it should be encouraged in schools. 
Then hopefully this will carry on into adult life and help people become more self-reliant"
Robin Davis, Napier Community Foodbank Trust

"We were aiming to foster a more caring attitude and develop further the values of responsibility and respect. 
The boys were taught about soil preparation, planting, growing seedlings, transplanting, composting and 
maintaining a wormery. There was a sense of achievement and pride In what they had managed!"
Doug Fitzsimons, Principal, Porritt School


"Drama, theatre sports and organic gardening are programs we've been involved with. Our students benefited hugely from activities that have been exciting and different as well as working with mentors who showed they cared. Te Whakaritorito has the students interests at heart and we will continue their youth mentoring activities in the future." 

Raewyn McDonald, Principal, Kimiora School

  

Volunteering

  There are many ways to fit volunteer mentoring into your lifestyle. A volunteer mentor is a person who shares their valuable time, energy, enthusiasm and talents within a particular activity. People who volunteer can do so with the activity of their choice according to the skills and abilities thay aspire to.  Mentoring young people can be as simple as passing on guitar skills or assisting a youth mentor at a local school. You may help by caring, listening to a child's stories or give feedback to a mentor as to how you feel they are doing. \

The Trust provides regional wananga to enable mentors to share issues and explore new strategies to improve their volunteer work. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor we would be glad to sit down and discuss various options with you.

Questions to ask yourself are:

How much time can I spare? What time of the day or evening am I free?

In what ways do I feel I can best contribute? What are my particular skills and interests?

What do I really enjoy doing?

Do I prefer to work with children, adults, a friend or on my own?

Find us on the Contact Page!