KEY POINTS:
Bigger, better and brighter - youngsters in Otara will be treated to a new-look youth centre from tomorrow.
The drop-in centre - which will be dubbed The Pearl - on Pearl Baker Drive has been open as part of local youth programme Crosspower Ministries for about eight years.
After a month of renovations worth $20,000 - paid for by Transpower's CommunityCare Fund - a new kitchen, paint job and upgraded bathroom facilities will finally be revealed to the public.
Centre co-ordinator Michelle Tiatia says the new and improved youth centre will give local young people a feeling of being recognised.
"We wanted to provide something that's top class for the kids because they live in a low socio-economic area.
"This will give them the feeling of being wanted," she said.
The centre will be open after school and onwards for children aged 5 to 14, providing activities such as hip hop dance classes and an area for students to do their schoolwork, as well as providing activities and "time out" for young mothers during the day.
The centre will also run free holiday programmes during the school holidays.
Mrs Tiatia said many children growing up in the area were always being told of the negative connotations associated with South Auckland.
"It's really about changing that thought. Showing them that there's another way," Mrs Tiatia said.
"There's so many gifted kids in this area. I think our kids ... they're lateral thinkers. They're creative thinkers and are into things like art, dancing and music. This is a place where they can connect with positive people."
Crosspower Ministries co-manager Sully Paea, who has been working with South Auckland youth for more than 25 years, said the youth centre was a perfect way to connect with young people.
"It's building a strong neighbourhood network. It's a first point of call when there's an issue - just being there, that's what [the kids] need."
A barbecue and feast will celebrate the opening of The Pearl at 11am, when Manukau Mayor Len Brown and Labour MP for Manukau East Ross Robertson will officially open the centre.
