Te Kuiti Youth Centre: Making It Happen! (2002)
Group or Institution
Waikato Insitute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Kelly Rathbone, Rachel Morris, Lahna Hoskin, Janine Barry, Jennifer Hill, Lixian Chen, Jessica Van Weerd (Tutor: Gytha Lancaster)
Abstract
The personnel involved in the project are a group of seven Waikato Institute of Technology second year nursing students, working with a tutor, in collaboration with Waitomo Safer Communities Council (WSCC), and the Te Kuiti Youth Centre Organising Committee. The purpose of our project is to: Explore the views of the youth of Te Kuiti in relation to the development of a youth centre.
In negotiation with WSCC, we planned to:
- Identify the theoretical underpinnings of health promotion related to our project.
- Review relevant literature related to youth development and youth centre models.
- Generate information about the views of youth in relation to a Te Kuiti youth centre through focus groups with youth representation.
- Analyse and interpret the findings and make recommendations.
- Provide an opportunity for youth to voice their needs.
- Consider the ethical responsibilities that underpin our practice and partnership with the Waitomo Safer Communities Council.
- Aim to provide a comprehensive report of our findings for the community.
Focus groups were held with pupils from three Te Kuiti schools to ascertain what Te Kuiti youth would like in a Centre and how the operation of the centre might provide an effective and positive place for young people.
It was recommended that;
- Youth participation in the planning and operation of the Centre was essential to ensure it remains a “cool” place to be,
- Ensuring young people had a say in developing, evaluating and reviewing decisions that effect them
- Youth be involved in making the rules in relation to the centre
- Separate times and /or areas might be necessary to cater for different age groups and interests and so the selection of a building needed to take this into account.
- Youth have input into the interior design to give a sense of ownership of the centre.
- It would be ideal to have the centre close to an outdoor sports arena, as this was a popular choice of recreation by Te Kuiti youth.
- As well the Centre needed to be close to town and easily accessible
- Food and catering needed to be accessible as well
- A youth worker not a parent should manage the day-to-day operation of the Centre and activities.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
Te Kuiti Youth Centre Organising Committee, Staff and Students fromTe Kuiti High School,
St Joseph’s Primary School, Centennial Park Primary School
A full copy of the report is available from:
Research Connections
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e.mail: research@wintec.ac.nz