A fresh start for troubled teens

Military Academy director Blue Davies works his boys hard, ordering them to listen up, knowing he is steering them towards a brighter future.

A retired army warrant officer and then prison officer at Whanganui Prison, Mr Davies knew his chance to shape young lives had come when he saw the ad for Military Academy director at Wanganui City College three years ago.

Principal Peter Kaua said Mr Davies arrived at the interview, sat down and said he was heartsick from seeing so many teenage boys ending up prison and his one aim in life was to show these lads there was another way.

``He was so passionate about wanting the chance to steer boys in the right direction that he became their mentor, teacher, father figure and general all round butt-kicker.''

In 2010, the first Military Academy intake made a huge impact at City College.

``The change in those boys after 12 months was nothing short of fantastic,'' Mr Kaua said.

He said their marching parade at Waiouru was a sight to behold.

``I was so proud. And Blue? Well, he was at the back, tears behind his sunglasses _ he was that proud of those boys.''

These were the lads who were veering off the rails, with some already off and falling. They mumbled, swore, wagged school, smoked drugs, had lost sight of what they were supposed to be at school for and they didn't care.

Mr Kaua said the 20 Year 12 and 13 students, selected to take part in the academy by school deans at the start of 2010, knew they wanted to change and were ready to take instruction.

City College is one of 19 throughout New Zealand chosen to take part in the Government's Youth Opportunities package setting up service academies.

Mr Kaua has vivid memories of the phone call coming at the end of 2009, telling him his school had been chosen to have a military academy and would he please get to Auckland in two days.

``I was blown away, there was no time to think about it. It was finish school for the year, then two days later head to Auckland and meet with the other selected schools and the ministry.

``I remembered when I had applied I just knew it was going to be a good thing ... and it has been absolutely great,'' he said.

Once the academy was underway it took just days for the students to be acutely aware of why they had entered the regime.

They attend regular classes, as well as meetings upstairs with Mr Davies every day for some well-honed discipline and straight-talking.

Soldiering drills, community work and financial literacy classes are all part of their schedule. And they even get a drilling about their homework.

Any sign of reticence or lack of understanding and Mr Davies is in _ ready to help, advise and ensure his lads get it sussed.

They also spent three weeks at Waiouru Military Camp _ two weeks at the beginning of the academy and one week in the middle of winter _ and threw themselves into it.

``They were all 100 per cent committed and just brilliant,'' Mr Kaua said.

These were the students once disillusioned and ready to ditch school who now hold their heads up. They're motivated, confident young people who relish being models for the younger students.

``It shows me that kids love structure and organisation and having expectations held high for what they do. At the start they wouldn't say boo, they certainly wouldn't speak publicly. Now it's just awesome. They get up and they speak with confidence.''

There are about 50 students wanting one of the 20 places on next year's course, which has been extended to 18 months.

The selection process means students are chosen by a panel and interviewed together with their families. ``We're looking for students who are feeling lost and were drifting away,'' Mr Kaua said.

``The thing is we're not looking for tough, muscle-bound boys, we want girls as well. This academy is here to make a difference in the lives of those students who are losing their way.

``This academy has transformed kids. There's nothing better than seeing a disillusioned kid suddenly become purposeful, disciplined, well-mannered and successful.

``Nothing beats that ... nothing.''

Military Academy director Blue Davies was away ill when the Chronicle visited, so principal Peter Kaua talked about the progress of the academy.-->-->