Students And Parents Getting Together In Opunake

14 May 2007

‘Not Even’ – Students And Parents Getting Together In Opunake

Some exciting events are happening in the Opunake community for young people and their parents over the next few weeks.

The community is invited to view a ‘Photo Voice’ display at Opunake Library from May 11-June 1. This display shows photos and captions produced by a local student steering group. The themes for the photos are around what young people identify with in their community and on the flip side, what young people would like to see happen in Opunake.

The photovoice leads up to the ‘Not Even’ event on May 22nd. ‘Not Even’ is a youth week event that will provide an entertaining and educational evening for year 9 and 10 students and their parents of Opunake and Coastal area schools.

The MC’s will be the vibrant brother and sister duo Tumehe and Whakaangi Rongonui, former pupils of Opunake High School and now presenters for Maori TV Youth programme Haa. The supporting MC is dynamic and inspirational entertainer Henare O’Keefe who is an ambassador for Duffy books in homes.

There are many prizes donated from local businesses and organisations with the major prize draw of a brand new CSA surfboard worth $700.

“The evening will create a forum for young people to talk to their parents about things that are important to them”, said Hawera Community Constable, Alison Brooks. “It will include music, sports and attitudes towards alcohol, drugs and peer pressure.

“The evening is aimed at encouraging parents and students to talk together in a fun and supportive environment.”

Parents will also have the opportunity to meet other parents and would be encouraged to form a network and support each other when dealing with issues raised by their children.

The Not Even event aims to increase communication between young people and their parents and will contribute to a number of strategies dedicated to reducing alcohol related harm in South Taranaki.

The event is a joint initiative between the South Taranaki District Council, Police Ruanui Health centre, Mahia Mai A Whai-Tara, the Taranaki DHB Health Promotion Unit, Youth transition Service, Child, Youth & Family and Opunake High School.

The Not Even event will be followed by a Child, Youth & Family expo at Opunake High School on June 28. The aim of the expo is to provide information on Child, Youth & Family and services available for developing positive family relationships.

ENDS

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