Source: NorthTec
NorthTec and Youthtown Inc. have signed an agreement enabling the holiday programme specialists to run workshops and events for young people in Northland Te Tai Tokerau.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, NorthTec will allow Youthtown to use its Raumanga premises to run holiday programmes, after-school programmes, youth hubs and workshops for children and teenagers aged five to 18.
Youthtown, which currently operates across Aotearoa/New Zealand, will develop and run the programmes. Priority access will be given to NorthTec students and staff, with the remainder of the places to be made available to the public.
NorthTec students will also be given opportunities for employment and training, assisting with running the programmes.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Jon Smith, Acting Chief Executive for NorthTec, and Fay Amaral, Chief Executive of Youthtown, at the Raumanga campus.
Jon Smith said: “This agreement creates a great opportunity to increase the number of high- quality programmes and workshops for children and teenagers in Te Tai Tokerau. It will assist our students by offering both employment opportunities and places for their children in school holidays and after school. Our staff will also be able to use this resource.
“Young people taking part in Youthtown programmes will be given the chance to experience and learn about vocational training and education available at NorthTec.”
Fay Amaral said: “We are excited to join the NorthTec whānau. Our programmes are engaging and fun, whilst also based on high quality outcomes that empower young people to be the best they can be. We are proud of our people and the passion they have for enabling all young people, and we look forward to working with students, the community and NorthTec.
“Established in 1932, Youthtown are about connecting and bringing hope, fun and activity- based learning to life across Aotearoa.”
Youthtown programmes have a focus on increasing life skills and critical thinking skills, building resilience and empowering young people to succeed. The youth development specialists actively seek to work in collaboration with other organisations with shared objectives and are excited about joining forces with NorthTec.
The holiday and after-school programmes, due to get under way in January 2021, will be for children aged 5 to 12 (OSCAR funding available pending final MSD accreditation). There will also be a youth hub for teenagers aged 13 to 18, as well as youth workshops, beginning in 2021.
