Youth: The Shining Light of Western Community Centre (2002)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Andrea Tunnicliffe, Bronnie Baillie, Karen Ormsby, Katy Harris, Naomi Lake, Nicky Moran (Tutor: Betty Blake)
Abstract
The following project was established with the project team and Neil Tolan.
In collaboration with the Western Community Centre (WCC), the project team will evaluate the experiences and impacts of youth attending holiday programmes organised by the centre.
Project objectives undertaken to fulfil the project purpose included:
- To critique literature related to theory underpinning project processes.
- Form a partnership with Neil Tolan and Western Community Centre to achieve the purpose of the project.
- A critique of data collection methods to facilitate information gathering and to guide safe practice.
- Explore and analyse contemporary youth issues within New Zealand.
- Write a document that explores the experience of youth and how this has impacted on their lives after the holiday programme.
- The final report will contain recommendations to assist with future planning.
Focus groups were held, with youth. The key findings were;
- The opportunities and activities on the holiday programme were character building and fun
- Attending holiday programmes supported the development of personal skills, for example leadership, teamwork, confidence and ability to enjoy life more,
- The influence and role modelling of Neil Tolon the Youth Worker was seen as the most significant in the success of the programmes. His ability to enhance positive youth development was seen by all participants as essential and truly excellent,
- The cost of attending youth programmes was a barrier for some youth in the Western Community. Some youth described decreases in alcohol and tobacco and other drug intake and cessation of stealing.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
Western Community Centre
Youth Worker, Neil Tolan
Centre Manager, Peter Crake
Youth Leaders
Wellsford Community Youth Coordinator, Shane Gould
A full copy of the report is available from:
Research Connections
W-Block cnr Nisbet & Tristram Streets or
cnr Tristram & Ward Streets
Private Bag 3036
Hamilton 2020
Telephone 07 834 8841
Fax 07 834 8884
e.mail: research@wintec.ac.nz