Wairoa College principal Jo Vennell agreed.
“The Aspiring Leaders Programme goes beyond academics; it instills confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility in our students. We are excited to see the growth and achievements of our students in the upcoming year.”
Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust education and community outreach manager Ally Hislop highlighted the trust’s commitment to providing valuable experiences for youth in the region.
“At HBCFCT we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of rangatahi in our community. We teach students the importance of prioritising their wellbeing, providing positive experiences with physical activity and foster growth in a secure and inspiring environment. We are positioned to make a meaningful and positive impact on the community by instilling key success characteristics for life into the next generation of leaders.”
The programme, which saw year 7 and 8 students participate in 2023, is a year-long journey with sessions held alternately at Wairoa College and the EIT Institute of Sport and Health in Hastings. Through a selection process, students demonstrating leadership potential, commitment, and a positive attitude towards physical activity were chosen to participate.
Wairoa Young Achievers Trust chairman James Baty said: “I am thrilled about the positive impact of the WYAT/Wairoa College Aspiring Leaders Programme. This programme is not just about leadership; it’s about instilling a sense of purpose, resilience, and the ability to inspire and uplift others. By empowering our young people with these critical life skills, we are indeed investing in a brighter, more vibrant future for Wairoa”.
Key components of the programme include fostering healthy relationships, teaching fundamental movement patterns and proper nutrition, developing communication skills and strategies for prioritising wellbeing, celebrating individual strengths, and gaining insights from high-performance athletes and inspirational figures.
