Outdoor programme builds confidence in young people

Veteran mountaineer Graeme Dingle helps promote a can-do attitude for kids. Photo / APN

Being sure of yourself as a young person can do wonders for the type of character you will turn out to be.

That is one of many important messages the Foundation for Youth Development charity is trying to get across to all young New Zealanders.

The foundation is among 12 organisations to receive a $10,000 grant as part of the Auckland Airport 12 Days of Christmas giveaway.

Veteran mountaineer Graeme Dingle, a co-founder of the foundation, says the 12 Days of Christmas initiative "is a tremendous acknowledgement of community groups".

The grant money will be split between the organisation's The Big Walk initiative and the Kiwi Can programme, which helps primary school-aged youngsters from Year One to Year Eight.

As part of the Kiwi Can programme, staff go to primary and intermediate schools throughout New Zealand and promote a can-do attitude, life skills and good values through fun activities.

In the Big Walk, youngsters will take part in various marathon walks throughout the country, with the aim of raising awareness of the sobering youth statistics and looking at finding ways to motivate young people.

This year Mr Dingle and adventurer Jamie Fitzgerald set out on a 3000km Big Walk from opposite ends of the country with a total of 150 youngsters taking part.

This time there will be 10 significant walks in Northland, Auckland, Wellington, Waikato and Canterbury among other places.

"Essentially the money is to help facilitate the walks - to get potentially thousands of people involved," Mr Dingle said.

"There will be considerable promotion, co-ordinating and getting schools involved.

"The main aim is to promote the walk that we do. It's getting people out doing healthy things - which is what we're all about."

The airport giveaway, he said, was a great concept, and a great way of acknowledging charities in the community.

"We want to say a big thank you."