20 June 2008

Four South Island councils awarded funding for innovative local youth projects

Member for Banks Peninsula Ruth Dyson is congratulating four South Island councils that have been granted government funding for innovative projects which will benefit local young people.

“I’m delighted to congratulate Hurunui, Kaikoura, Selwyn and Tasman District Councils whose projects are among those to be granted funding through the Ministry of Youth Development’s Youth Development Partnership Fund,” says Ruth Dyson.

“The funding is a signal that the Government is committed to developing youth in ways that are meaningful and relevant to the young people themselves.”

Hurunui District Council will receive $88,000 for the Hurunui Youth Project which will involve a set of tools to be taken to communities of young people in the Hurunui district to provide flexible, mobile, youth centred development programmes, sessions and entertainment for 12-18 year-olds.

Kaikoura District Council will receive $60,000 for the Youth Skills Kaikoura project which will involve young people receiving training in instrument tuition, contemporary music writing, film/animation/web design, dance, drama, cooking, art/carving/sculpture/painting, sewing, weaving, photography, sound and lighting.

Selwyn District Council will receive $40,000 for the Destination Youth Rolleston project which aims to connect the young people of Rolleston through the provision of dedicated youth staff who will work with Rolleston Primary School at lunchtimes, attend local networking meetings and develop a programme for a Friday night Youth Club.

Tasman District Council will receive $50,000 for the APART Animals People and Rehabilitative Training project which offers youth training and skills development, focussing on learning empathy, non-violent behaviour, accountability and responsibility.

"It's great to see central and local government along with the community, working together by investing in the needs of young people to improve engagement, foster leadership, increase participation and conduct a whole range of events and activities for young people," says Nanaia Mahuta.

"The fund reflects the fact that councils not only need to develop projects which address the needs of young people in their communities, but that they also need to be innovative and inclusive in their approach if they are to truly engage with young people and keep them involved and enthusiastic.”

The Youth Development Partnership Fund provides an opportunity for the Ministry of Youth Development, territorial authorities and young people to work together to provide new and innovative local youth development projects.

ENDS

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