Fun programme making meaningful difference in Rotorua

Children enjoy some pizza while taking part in the Emerge programme. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua's Amy Davidson knows the difference a year can make, having seen it first-hand.

The Emerge programme, run by Kimiora Community Trust takes "at-risk" children between the ages of 8 and 12, and runs weekly sessions with them after school, and takes them on week-long camps during the holidays.

Thanks to the continued support of the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, the Kimiora Community Trust is preparing for another year of helping youngsters.

The organisation has received $20,000 from Rotorua Trust.

Most of it is tagged to the Emerge programme, while some goes towards helping with other costs such as the co-ordinator's salary to help with both Emerge and the wider range of programmes Kimiora Trust runs.

Kimiora Community Trust community co-ordinator Amy Davidson says for her the trust is about being the fence at the top of the cliff, rather than the ambulance at the bottom.

In the seven years since the Emerge programme began, she's seen one girl go from thinking she was "dumb", struggling at the bottom of her math class, to topping the school.

Another who has been through the programme went from an obese child who did not want to take part in any physical activity to becoming a representative in waka ama.

Amy says the programme came about when she discovered a gap in those helping children under 12.

Surprised by the lack of support available, she set up the programme which takes children who are referred by school social workers, parents or police, and spend a year in the programme.

Children having fun playing sport while taking part in the Emerge programme. Photo / Supplied

"We have timed it so we get them at a really crucial stage in their lives, where there is a real benefit in supporting them and helping them to make positive changes in their lives.

"During the programme participants build relationships with adults who can mentor and model good values and attitudes, resulting in better outcomes and school and more positive involvement at home.

"One of the things we talk about a lot is consequences and that in real life there are always consequences."

She says those running the programme are not councillors or psychologists, but refer for added support when needed.

"We are just a fun programme that brings great values and provides activities and opportunities to build those values.

"Some of these kids haven't experienced much consistency so it is about building a good foundation and indirectly, we see changes in the whanau."

Amy says a key to the programme's success is that it is independent and optional, not something that is court ordered or forced upon parents.

She says for some this is a key at getting them to engage – and sees the benefits extend into the wider whānau.

Parents are encouraged to attend a parenting course which is also run through the trust, but they don't have to, Amy says.

There is also a whānau day held each term where the families of participants can join with their children in a fun activity.

The programme also puts a strong emphasis on education, picking those taking part up from school so they are accountable for their attendance – "at least on the days the programme is running".

Rotorua Trust chairman Stewart Edward says the trust is proud to support Kimiora Community Trust, especially hearing the success stories of programmes such as Emerge.

"This is a programme which not only helps the children, but their whānau in a holistic way.

"While the participants have a great time, it's also having a meaningful impact in our community and we're proud to be able to support those doing the work on the ground with the funding to be able to achieve such fantastic results."