Funding for projects to help young people shine

Two projects that will see Porirua children experience sport and music, and build self-esteem, improve wellbeing and strengthen families will receive funding from Porirua City’s Making an Impact Fund.

The Council’s City Delivery Committee today agreed to provide funding to both Project Porirua and Te Roopu tiaki Rangatahi.

Committee chairperson Councillor Anita Baker said the Making an Impact Fund was designed to support projects for children and young people who do not get the same opportunities as others, and both projects clearly met that criteria.

“Both projects submitted strong business cases to support opportunities for young people that will positively impact on their personal development and resilience,” she said.

Project Porirua is a collaboration between Ole Football Academy and Virtuoso Strings. Both organisations have a shared vision to provide a safe space for young people who do not get the same opportunites to play, learn new skills, be physically active and have access to healthy meals.

In the next three years Project Porirua plans to host up to 50 children, aged 6-10, two nights a week for 40 weeks.

They will be transported there for free, get a meal and be encouraged to do homework, along with engaging in music, football lessons and other activities.

Te Roopu tiaki Rangatahi is a collaborative group including Wesley Community Action, Maraeroa Health Clinic, Taeoamanino Trust and the Tumai Hauora Ki Porirua Alliance.

The partnership is based on a shared commitment to improving the wellbeing of young people and providing them with opportunities to reach their potential. It aims to remove barriers for young people so their talents can shine.

A key part of the project will be establishing a youth advisory panel to help design and create the activities it will put in place. At least 200 young people are expected to benefit from the project each year.

Grants, Awards and Events subcommittee chairperson Izzy Ford said as part of the selection process all applications to the fund were assessed by nine young people aged from 11-23 on behalf of the Council.

“It was fantastic to have this panel to help us select the projects that will make the most impact for our young people.

“Tamariki and rangatahi are at the heart of our city, so having them play an active role in the decision-making process, and listening to their guidance is vital.”

Project Porirua has been granted $148,500 and Te Roopu tiaki Rangatahi $96,000 for the 2018-19 financial year.

A further $135,000 will be granted to each project for the years 2019-20 and 2020-21, provided they meet agreed outcomes and partnership funding needed for years two and three is secured.

Partnership funding is a key component of the Making an Impact fund. In Year one Department of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Youth Development will support Te Roopu tiaki Rangatahi, and further funding opportunities are being explored for Project Porirua.

Council staff will support the projects to secure additional funding.

The Council’s Young People’s Fund also includes the Making It Happen and Getting You There Funds, which will soon be open for applications. For more details see poriruacity.govt.nz

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