Kiwi Next Generation Programme Launches

Charity and business join forces on a mentoring programme to help at-risk Kiwi youth.

On Thursday May 26 we were excited to hold the official launch of a new programme called ‘Kiwi Next Generation’ which will assist young people across New Zealand who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Kiwi Next Generation is a collaboration between The Salvation Army and Variety – the Children’s Charity, bringing together the expertise, experience and infrastructure of both organisations to support some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable youth.

To mark the occasion, a special afternoon tea was prepared and served by Education and Employment students at Booth Café at The Salvation Army in Mt Wellington. 80 guests heard speeches from Gregory Fortuin - National Director, The Salvation Army Education & Employment, Lorraine Taylor – Variety CEO, and Paul Walsh - Executive GM Community and Environment, The Warehouse Group.

Two courageous students, Antonia and Briana, also shared their stories - explaining how personal and family situations have affected their learning in the past, and how the mentoring and support provided by Kiwi Next Generation will remove barriers and help them achieve their goals.

Unfortunately in New Zealand today not everyone has the opportunity to achieve their educational goals. For some young people, family and personal circumstances create significant barriers to them pursuing education. Some need relief from daily challenges so they can engage and learn, while others need a more holistic approach of care provided by a mentor who can offer hope and practical support.

The free-to-student two-year programme will wrap additional support around a Youth Guarantee curriculum for more than 700 young people aged 16-19 who have fallen out of mainstream education and need support getting back on track. 

In addition to 40 weeks tuition provided by trained educators, Kiwi Next Generation students will benefit from personalised mentoring, group-based activities to provide new experiences and build confidence, and practical support in the form of care packs, meals and incentives. A graduation ceremony will recognise those who successfully complete their Youth Guarantee programme.

The Kiwi Next Generation programme will be delivered at The Salvation Army Education and Employment training centres through 2016 and 2017 in Whangarei, Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Whakatane, Feilding, Carterton, Christchurch, Ashburton, Oamaru and Dunedin.

The programme has been made possible through funding from The Warehouse Group’s Gala Dinner (August 14, 2015). On the night, the support of The Warehouse Group’s suppliers and business partners saw more than $725,000 raised to bring Kiwi Next Generation to life. 

Executive GM Community and Environment of The Warehouse Group Paul Walsh said, “We see great potential in the Kiwi Next Generation programme and are proud to be part of this significant contribution to community development.”

“Through the Kiwi Next Generation programme the potential of young people can be fostered,” he said.

To find out more about enrolling for the Kiwi Next Generation programme click here