Amputee survivor inspires students on Mt. Ruapehu

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A chance to take part in a range of exciting outdoor activities, engaging in community service and personal development is a reality for Ohakune School, National Park School, Waiouru School, Raetihi School, Ngamatea School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Ngati Rangi and Orautoha School as they take part in the William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) this year. These students will join 1600 others from nearly 60 schools across the nation as they embark on the WPCA.

Over this year, these young people will be participating in 6 outdoor activities, 20 hours of community service and personally develop a new sport or hobby in order to gain the award. These experiences will give students adventurous opportunities and challenging first hand experiences to develop life skills, knowledge and awareness of their community.

The WPCA provides schools with year 7-9 students and community groups with support, resources and motivation to facilitate youth development. Resources include an online management tool for teachers and online record book for students. Students also receive ongoing inspiration and education during this year long programme.

“This is going to be a very special evening in lots of ways. To be standing on the foot of the mountain that nearly took my life and to have the opportunity to share that story and to empower students to overcome, embrace and manage challenges in their everyday lives will surely be a night to remember” says Pike. “The WPCA encourages kiwi kids to embrace new challenges, enjoy the great outdoors, engage with their community and interact with positive role models” said Pike. “These opportunities will further connect these young people with local people and places within their community, to grow and develop them as individuals, and to prepare them for whatever life throws at them” adds Pike.

“All the schools in our Ruapehu Cluster Group are really looking forward to running the WPCA this year. This programme will offer our students an exciting pathway for Education Outside the Classroom and the Health and Physical Education learning area. The establishment of positive, collaborative connections across home, school, peer and community life is one of the many outcomes we look forward to.” said Jane Welburn, Principal, National Park School.

The WPCA provides youth, their families and the wider community a tool which not only strengthens the communities they live in, but enables young people to grow and become empowered through challenging new experiences and opportunities while learning valuable life lessons.

William knows firsthand the value of being prepared for facing obstacles. He was one of two young climbers caught in a volcanic eruption on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, in 2007. Pike suffered numerous life threatening injuries, and as a result, his right leg was amputated below the knee, needing extensive recovery and rehabilitation. By adopting a positive attitude and thinking with All Passion No Limits, William was once again, able to embrace his love of the outdoors and develop this award which he now passes on to a new generation of Kiwi kids through the WPCA.

ENDS

Fact Sheet

WHAT IS THE WPCA?
The William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) provides teachers, leaders and community groups with support, resources and motivation to facilitate youth development and Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) for year 7-9 students. The WPCA is an outdoor activity-based programme that’s tailor- made to fit each school’s or group’s needs and resources. The WPCA is a gateway to new experiences, opportunities and a means of developing a positive youth culture for the nation.

The WPCA is run over one school year (or a 12 month period for community groups) with each student participating in:
6 outdoor activities chosen and led by your school/group
20 hours of community service
The personal development of a new sport or hobby

VALUES
COURAGE TEAMWORK RESILIENCE COMPASSION PRIDE ENTHUSIASM

OUTCOMES
The establishment of positive connections across home, school, peer and community life.
Provide students with a focus and direction while in a formative stage of their lives.
Empower students to overcome, embrace, and manage challenges in their everyday lives.
Produce students who are confident, proud, well-rounded, and can draw upon life skills and experiences in the future.
Teach students basic hazard identification and survival skills in a range of different outdoor environments.
Provide opportunities for students to engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.
Provide students with an opportunity to interact with local places and local communities.

WHO IS WILLIAM PIKE?
William Pike is a known Kiwi, sought-after inspirational speaker and an accessible role model to youth both nationally and internationally. In 2007 William was one of two young mountaineers caught in a volcanic eruption on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. William suffered numerous life threatening injuries, and as a result, his right leg was amputated below the knee. This was followed by an extensive recovery and rehabilitation period. It was through sheer bloody-mindedness, grit and determination that William was able to return to and also climb the mountain that took his leg.

William has a passion for life, the outdoors and education which he believes in passing onto the next generation of kiwi kids. His character and outlook on life are nicely summed up by the title of his popular autobiography, Every Day’s A Good Day. As a role model, William encourages both adults and students to reach their dreams and goals by thinking, All Passion, No Limits.

William has a Bachelor of Education with First Class Honours and is an experienced Primary School teacher. As an author, inspirational speaker, amputee, Kiwi Bank Local Hero medal recipient, 2015 Young New Zealander of the year finalist – William is a leader and an achiever who resonates passion and success without limits. Today William is the director and face of the William Pike Challenge Award which has grown rapidly across the nation over the past 5 years.

Schools in low and high socio-economic areas from Whangarei to Stewart Island are participating in the William Pike Challenge Award. William Pike has completed more than 150 speaking engagements to businesses, government agencies, at fundraising functions and schools.

For more information visit www.williampike.co.nz or facebook.com/pikechallenge

THE WPCA AND THE NEW ZEALAND CURRICULUM
Education outside the classroom (EOTC) is an essential part of school life in New Zealand. Without EOTC, the vision of the national curriculum simply couldn’t be achieved. The William Pike Challenge Award offers an exciting pathway for schools to meet achievement standards for EOTC and the Health and Physical Education learning area, in an engaging and authentic context for kiwi kids.

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