Holiday programmes encourage belonging

Holiday programmes encourage belonging

Fusion holiday programmes are again launching next week in Lower Hutt and Porirua, with the focus on developing a young person’s ‘belonging’ to their new community.

The programmes are a partnership between Ignite Sport Trust and New Zealand Red Cross. They have been held annually since 2010 throughout the North Island for young people with a Refugee background.

Although the focus of Fusion is on young people who have recently settled in New Zealand, programme coordinator Peter Stone, of Ignite Sport, says many former programme participants now come along to help translate and to connect with the newer teens.

“Fusion aims to support their wellbeing, through developing social connections and belonging,” says Mr Stone.

“We provide a safe and fun social experience with lots of positive connections, and help familiarise young people with sporting and recreational opportunities in their new city.

“There’s also time to reflect on personal and social identity,” he says. “All this helps grow confidence, personal motivation and increases a sense of belonging.”

Fusion, delivered in Palmerston North and Hamilton as well as locally, is funded by New Zealand Red Cross, Ignite Sport and the Ethnic Communities Development Fund.

Fusion Porirua will be held 19-21 April with Fusion Lower Hutt running 26-28 April.

Based at Porirua College, the Porirua Fusion will include recreational activities including disc golf, floorball, badminton and indoor rock climbing. Workshops will include cultural values and recognising your talents. Up to 20 young people are expected to participate in the joint Porirua Wellington Fusion.

In Lower Hutt more than 20 teens will visit a marae and a computer clubhouse as well as playing disc golf, speedball, badminton and indoor rock climbing and participating in similar workshops as the Porirua young people. This programme will be based both at Walter Nash Centre and the Ignite Sport office, in Petone.

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