Teens learn to bridge the gap

Zoe Fong (left) and Emily Hayward are working on turning their dreams into life-long skills.

Aspiring music producer Emily Hayward, 15, dropped out of school before her NCEA exams and has been under Child, Youth and Family's care for the past year.

Zoe Fong, on the other hand, grew up in Remuera with her three siblings, loves English and drama and is in Year 10 at ACG Parnell College.

The pair took part in a new confidence-building course - Bridge the Gap - developed by former model Amanda Betts, which aims to bring together teenagers who may have otherwise never crossed paths.

Emily, who now lives with her mother, is a keen music lover who knows what she wants and exerts bravado.

Zoe, on the other hand, describes herself as a bit of a "drama geek". Raised by doctor parents, she says her upbringing was privileged.

Ms Betts said Bridge the Gap was about showing teenagers they had their own challenges and dreams, irrespective of their backgrounds. She hoped to help them develop these into life-long skills so they could reach their goals.

One of her strategies involved a $39 fashion-based challenge where teens worked together to find an affordable yet fashionable outfit, which they would then model before the camera.

Ms Betts said once the final images were placed side by side it was impossible to guess who might be the "less or more affluent" among them.

"It removes labels and brings them on an even keel, no matter where they are from," she said. "It is about building community and helping them feel like they belong."

Child, Youth and Family Auckland regional director Sharon Thom said behind the course's strong fashion focus were some valuable life skills.

"These can be as simple as how to shake someone's hand and make eye contact when introducing themselves [and] starting conversations with potential future employers and extend to developing financial awareness and budgeting skills."

Zoe said it was good to mix with teens from a range of different backgrounds in a "non-judgmental space" where they could all share their problems, big or small.

Emily said the course helped her communication skills and encouraged her to keep trying.

Today she's studying a Youthline run foundation course aimed at getting her NCEA Level One.

Eventually she hoped to follow her love for music and make a career out of it, either as a DJ, or a music producer.