20 June 2007

Clendon youth take the lead in their community

The Community Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) project group is proud to announce the appointment of five youth ambassadors at Manukau City Council’s Te Matariki – Clendon Community Centre and Library.

The youth ambassadors programme - Live and Lead - is a community initiative developed to address concerns relating to negative behaviour by some youth attending or congregating in and around the award-winning centre.

Before taking up their new roles, the ambassadors will be given training in leadership, mentoring, working as a team, presentation skills, first aid and self defence. 

Manukau City Council’s CAYAD Coordinator Deidre Otene says, “This is a great example of a community coming together to address social issues in their neighbourhood.

“We want the ambassadors to become role models, provide guidance and mentoring to other young people using the centre.  What better way to encourage improved behaviour and leadership in Clendon’s youth than for the message to come from one of their own?”

Deputy Mayor Anne Candy will officially launch the Live and Lead programme at 6pm on Friday, 22 June at Te Matariki - Clendon Community Centre & Library. Media are welcome to attend.

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Note to editors:

Te Matariki – Clendon Community Centre and Library an amalgamation of the former Clendon Recreation Centre and Clendon Library opened its doors in January 2006.

The award-winning centre is a great asset for the Clendon community and has proved extremely popular with residents, especially youth.  

Bio’s of the youth ambassadors.

All youth ambassadors live in Clendon.

Taryn Ball:

18 years old
Currently studying at  Auckland University towards a Bachelor in Business
Has been involved in community initiatives for the betterment of Clendon in the past.
 

Sharday Tongalea Taupiasi

•         Niuean

•         18 years old

•         Currently studying at MIT to gain entry into the Bachelor in Psychology

•         Next year starting a Bachelor in Psychology

•         Lived in Manurewa all her life

“My goals for the future are to become a psychologist and with my qualification help the youth of South Auckland, also travel to Niue and learn about my history.  To me being a youth ambassador is giving me the opportunity to help our youth to better themselves and allow them to be able to mingle with the right type of people who can influence change”

Sara Beazley:

•         18 years old

•         I currently attend Taonga Education Centre

•         I am now studying to gain NCEA at level three.

•         Goal is to become a Health Psychologist.

What being an ambassador means to Sara;

“For me being a youth ambassador is both a privilege and an honor.   To me this means that I can help the community overcome social and physical barriers.   My main goal for Clendon is to see more of our youth finish school and go onto university.”

Toa Ati

26yrs old
Currently volunteers at Te Matariki with the Youth Services team
His goal is to be a youth coordinator
 Loretta Wright

16yrs old
Current student at Taonga Education Centre
Working towards NCEA level 2
Her goal is to work with youth in the future
 

Manukau City Council | Te Kaunihera o Manukau
Knowledge & Understanding | Achievement | Accountability

Maatauranga me te moohiotanga | Whaainga ki toona tutukitanga | Whakatau tika

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