Partnerships to empower at-risk Waikato youth

More than 400 young people across the Waikato Region will have their education, leadership and employment pathways strengthened through new joint Government and community funding initiatives, Youth Minister James Meager has confirmed.

The Hauraki Māori Trust Board has received $316,000 from the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund to support more than 320 students to smoothly transition to high school, tackling disengagement from education.

Mr Meager says The Trust will match this funding, to $632,000, and deliver the early intervention programme over the next two years.

“By co-funding alongside community organisations and other partners, we are increasing the amount of support and opportunities available to young people that will set them up for success, at no additional taxpayer cost,” Mr Meager says.

The Raukawa Charitable Trust has also received $120,000, alongside matched co-funding from the Department of Internal Affairs and Len Reynolds Trust. It will deliver two programmes over one year, to more than 80 young people. They will be focused on building employability skills and developing education and work opportunities.

“These organisations are deeply connected to the communities they serve, and that local knowledge makes a real difference. They understand the challenges young people are facing in their area and the best ways to help them build confidence, stay engaged, and take the next step toward education, training or work,” Mr Meager says.

“We know strong community partnerships are essential to achieving positive outcomes for young people. When local organisations work alongside government, we can back proven ideas, extend our reach and ensure support is tailored to local needs.

“These investments are part of our new direction for Ministry of Youth Development funding to prioritise programmes that can demonstrate successful outcomes aligned with the Government’s key targets.” ...