Making a difference for youth

Mana Youth Group meets on Friday evenings in Papamoa. Youth worker Rhonda McPhee centre with Chloe Avello and front from left Tyne Mulford, Rebecca Sail and Jeremy Sail. Photo/Carmen Hall

A programme to provide opportunities for strengthening youth and supporting them to make positive choices is making a big difference in Papamoa.

Mana Youth, run by Papamoa Family Services meets on Friday evenings, was started in 2004 to help teenagers develop skills and qualities "that will enable them to meet the challenges they face in today's world".

Papamoa family Services practice manager Janice Belgrave says youth are growing up in a complex world.

"Many need support to traverse the difficulties this presents. For example social media and technologies not only provide positive opportunities but there is also a darker side that we as parents and grandparents did not experience in our youth."

"The outcomes for youth are well documented and are concerning." Through the programmes run by Mana Youth teenagers get the opportunity to learn about their own identity, build confidence and self esteem, develop basic life skills and explore career opportunities, Janice says.

"We also seek to identify positive natural qualities in the youth such as leadership and build on these."

Feedback from parents had also been encouraging with many noticing an improvement in engaging with education and improved communication skills, she says.

In addition participants enjoyed meeting others, the activities on offer and the discussion groups.

The night the Bay News visited five teenagers were preparing for a Master Chef-style hamburger challenge. They were gathered in the Mana Youth room which has a kitchen, pool table, comfy chairs and sofas.

Graffiti murals adorn two walls while ceiling beams are painted with messages and affirmations.

The atmosphere is jovial and they joke among themselves and chatter.

Youth and social worker Rhonda McPhee, who has run the group since June and is affectionately referred to as 'mum,' runs a tight ship.

She lays down the rules, loves her job and says it's all about working with the kids strengths, not the negatives.

"We provide another place that is not school and not home, it's somewhere they can come and not be judged. To me it's all about learning the skills to manage negotiating healthy relationships and coping with their social environment."

"We treat others how we would wantto be treated, that is important and it works.

My goal is to support rangatahito uncover their individual uniqueness and to provide them with a knowledge base to strive towards a positive future.

Rhonda McPhee

Rebecca Sails says the programme is fun. The 14 year old likes the fact everyone gets along and she gets the chance to meet up with her friends.

"On the wall over there we have our goals and aspirations which is good. I've also been rock climbing and we go to the pools which is cool."

* A meal is provided, prepared by the youth and the youth worker. Transport is provided and there are 10 youth in the Friday evening programme. Next term there will be two programmes running each wee, during term time, with 10 young people in each group.

WANT TO JOIN MANA YOUTH?
You have to be aged 13 to 17. Live in the area from Girven Rd to end of Papamoa and early Welcome Bay.

For youth who feel they are struggling at home or at school. Contact Rhonda McPhee on 021 944186 or 574 7170 Email youth.pfs@acw.org.nz Run by Papamoa Family Services.