West Auckland community organisation is a finalist in a prestigious national award
7 November 2018: Achieving @ Waitakere is being recognised for its revolutionary new education programme designed for
the most at risk and vulnerable young people in the region.
A finalist in the Partnering for Good Category in the NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards 2018, this is an
outstanding achievement for a community driven initiative operating on minimal funding.
In 2016, West Auckland was making headlines around the country for several concerning events involving youth in the
region. The community rallied together to make some dramatic changes. It was recognised that one of the best ways to
make a difference was for youth to receive increased education specifically designed around their needs and best
learning practises.
Scott Samson, Waitakere Alternative Education, Director and Janette Searle, a specialist in social change teamed up with
Achieving at Waitakere Trust to umbrella the initiative and created Managed Moves.
Scott Samson explains that Managed Moves is more than than a programme, its a new way of working that is collaborative
and effective. This gives a platform for schools, community groups, government agencies and a range of service providers
to work together.
“For the first time we have been able to focus on the needs of the young person and remove or minimise the barriers
impacting their education journey. The success of the programme is due to the approach of the community who have
actively taken up the challenge to fill the gaps that so many of the young people in the region were falling through.
“It’s been a challenging process but it also been incredibly rewarding, especially when you can see a real difference in
the kids. We are all incredibly proud to have our efforts recognised on a national scale by the NZI Sustainable Business
Network. We’re among some seriously impressive finalists, so being named among them is an honour in itself,” says
Samson.
The winners off the NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards will be announced on 22 November 2018.
ENDS