Teens from South Auckland schools are determined to ensure what happens at school will improve their lives, reports Joanna Davies.
Streams of students pass from the conference room to the cafe. In differing school uniforms, but all hanging out together, the teens represent 12 of South Auckland's high schools and are talking about their morning's activities.
They've done a bit of speed-dating, listened to lectures, danced to a band and discussed issues facing students at school.
The 150 students are members of their schools' health councils, all working to make their schools safer and healthier environments, and are here to share ideas.
For Stephanie Tafea, a Year 13 student at Tamaki College, big changes need to be made in young people's nutrition. "We want more healthy food at our tuck shop. We've been asking for it for a few years, but not much is happening. Nutrition is important and we want more options, especially for the younger kids."
Deanne Loader, from Alfriston College, says her school's health council is looking for ways to raise money for charities. "We started our health council three years ago, but we haven't done much. Coming to this fono is going to give us lots of new ideas," she says.
The Youthline Youth Health Council Fono [Samoan for meeting], hosted by AUT University in Manukau, brings together all the south's youth health councils to find ways to make positive changes.
Youthline develops health councils in schools. Youth development coordinator Grace Taylor says there are many areas in schools that students want to take part in. "General health is one and bullying is also up there. Students want to make their schools better for everyone.
"Youth health councils play a vital role, dealing with the entire wellbeing of a person, often setting up initiatives to improve the health status of youth," she says.
"The purpose of a youth health council is that it's student-led, and that their good choices will impact on those around them outside of school, too."
Gareth Dyer, AUT University relationships manager, says that the gathering is a way to make the students aware of health promotion and give them opportunities to work in the sector when they finish school.
"This is all about trying to be healthier and promoting it in their schools, and this can be a career option for them."
AUT University's programme leader for health promotion, Ruth De Souza, says health councils are important in the school network: "Prevention is better than cure. Many health and social issues, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, alcohol and drug harm, are largely preventable, and the key to health promotion is working within the community."
More info, call: Youthline Manukau, ph 252 0019.
Young hearts
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