Youth Week 2014 Awards announced
Youth Week 2014 Awards announced
Youth Affairs
Minister Nikki Kaye today announced the recipients of the
Youth Week 2014 Awards.
“It is truly impressive to see the difference and change that these award recipients have brought about in their communities,” Ms Kaye says.
Youth Week runs from 17 May – 25 May. Community organisations across the country have been planning their own Youth Week events. Many of these are facilitated by funding grants through Ara Taiohi, who are also administering Youth Week.
“Youth Week is a great opportunity to recognise, support and celebrate the significant contribution and achievements of youth in our communities.
“The theme of Youth Week this year encourages youth to ‘Be the Change’ that they want to see in our society. In order for youth to create change, they need support and praise from mentors in their communities. We need to really value the diversity of our young people in New Zealand.
“I recently created
the annual Youth Week Awards to recognise and celebrate
young people aged 12 – 24 who have contributed to their
community in a significant way.
Over one hundred
nominations were received that recognised a wide range of
activities young people have been involved in that benefited
both their communities and other young people. 24 of these
nominees will receive Youth Week Awards. Examples of
activities that award recipients have been involved in
include; leading and advocating for youth mental health
initiatives, coaching and mentoring young basketball
players, organising anti-bullying activities and organising
events for youth in a rural community.
“I am really pleased with the number and quality of nominations that were received. The recipients of the awards were selected by the Ministry of Youth Development’s youth advisory group.
There are 24 recipients of a Youth Week Award across four categories; Change Maker, Leadership, Giving Back and Working for Youth.
Tonight, Members of Parliament will attend a function at Parliament to recognize and celebrate the success of the nominees and award recipients.
“We already know that there are
many young people making positive contributions in their
communities. I hope that by recognizing these young people
tonight, they may inspire others to do the same,” Ms Kaye
says.
To read more about the Youth Week 2014 Awards and
the recipients:www.myd.govt.nz/news/2014/youth-week-2014-awards-recipients.html
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