The Y Central South Island (the YMCA) has officially opened its new premises on 410 Colombo Street, marking a strategic expansion of its youth education, employment pathways and driver licence support and instruction services within the city.

The move follows more than five years of delivering free NZQA-accredited tertiary education in Christchurch. These programmes cater to youth aged 16 to 24 who are not currently engaged in mainstream education, providing pathways to Level 1 and 2 Foundation Skills and NCEA qualifications along with Y Goals (free literacy and numeracy programme) and Adult and Community Education (ACE) programme.

The transition from the organisation’s previous base at the Kind Foundation’s Papa Hou premises was necessitated by consistent waiting lists. The new facility provides the required capacity to expand existing educational delivery and introduce the Y’s Driving and Employment Pathways services to Christchurch.

Drive2Work is an Employment Placement service and offers job seekers one on one support and guidance throughout their job search journey. Y Work Ready is a work readiness support service that offers job seekers who are not ready to transition directly into work, one on one support, guidance, motivation and belief that they are capable of work. Y Drive Driving School’s goal is to “open doors” for people in our community by helping them gain the driver licence they need for independence, opportunity, and employment.

“The Y already operates comprehensive education and employment pathway services across Oamaru, Timaru, and Ashburton,” stated Keith Shaw, CEO of the Y Central South Island. “Expanding our Christchurch offering aligns with our mission to be a beacon of opportunity and empowerment. Our experience in other regional centres indicated a significant service gap for youth in Christchurch that we are now better equipped to meet.”

The Education Centre and Driving and Employment Pathways Hub was opened on Monday with an official blessing from Ngāi Tūāhuriri rangatira representatives, Maaka and Reuben. The ceremony was attended by a range of community stakeholders, including:

• Duncan Webb, Member of Parliament.
• Representatives from the Ministry of Social Development.
• Local business leaders and regional Y Central South Island staff, learners and clients.

Learners currently enrolled in the programme played an active role in the event, assisting with the hosting of guests and the distribution of refreshments.

The Y has maintained a global presence in community development since 1844. This new location signifies a long-term commitment to the Christchurch community, focusing on providing a "hand up" through practical support.

“We are governed by an experienced Board that has been instrumental in this expansion,” Shaw added. “The reaction from local stakeholders has been very positive. Our focus remains on providing quality services that invest in the next generation.”

The Y Central South Island invites enquiries from young people aged 16 to 24, or their caregivers, who are seeking alternatives to mainstream education. It equally invites job seeker referrals from local Work & Income Christchurch sites and driver licence support enquiries. The organisation provides a structured environment to help learners secure academic qualifications and vocational skills, job seekers permanent and sustainable employment and learner drivers an opportunity to gain their Class 1 learner, restricted and/or full driver licence.

© Scoop Media