Boys graduate from Youthquest Kapiti

EXCELLING: Students and staff from Youthquest Kapiti course number 26.

Seven students have graduated from Youthquest Kapiti's latest six week course.

Those taking part in the 26th course were Roma Barton, Ethan Phillips, Codey Keil-Dean, Patrick Taoho, Joseph Blurton, Arama Kendrick and Caelen Campbell.

The course involved team building, leadership roles, NCEA level one and two credits, community involvement, health and well-being, responsibility for daily domestic chores, guest speakers, role plays and lots of fun.

Youthquest was set as a mentoring programme and to provide positive role models for young men.

"We focus our programme around the Circle of Courage model which includes belonging, independence, mastery and generosity," area manager Terry Poko said.

Generosity was a key component giving the youth an opportunity to give back to their communities.

The boys helped with a planting project at Peka Peka and operated a sausage sizzle at Kenakena School.

Mr Poko said overall the students were "awesome".

"At times we had to deal with a few attitudes but that's expected as the boys are trying to find who they are and haven't quite worked that out yet.

A course highlight was seeing a young man turn up with his head down and no motivation.

"And over the few weeks we are with them, they have goals and look forward to going back to school and doing well."

Kapiti Youthquest has had more than 200 boys through its operations programme.

"And we are proud to say 76.4 per cent are either employed, back at school or in further education programmes.

"We also work with the local colleges running lunchtime programmes and then there are mentoring events.

"Mentoring is a big part of the follow to ensure the boys reach their goals."

Pictured back left Ethan Phillips, Patrick Taoho (top student award), Roma Barton, Joseph Blurton, Caelen Campbell (most improved student). Front left mentoring manager Darcy Hata, youth mentor AJ Wallace, volunteer Vance McClellan, volunteer Brayden Leith, area manager Terry Poko. Absent Arama Kendrick and Codey Keil-Dean (peers choice award).