Students walk the walk

It’s no joke that thousands of New Zealand young people are affected daily by social challenges.

On April 3, Tokoroa schools will unite to raise awareness about negative youth issues at The Big Walk Tokoroa 2012 event.

Eight hundred and fifty students and teachers from David Henry, Tainui, Cargill Open and Strathmore schools, Tokoroa Intermediate and Tokoroa High School will participate in the Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) Waikato’s big walk at Lake Moana-nui.

The event is a great opportunity for young people to come together to support youth in the area.

It is also a chance for students to mix with other young people in the community, breaking down social barriers.

Everyone is invited to participate and encouraged to make a donation to FYD Waikato on the day.

New Zealand is rated as the second highest developed country in the world for teen pregnancy rates with Waikato the third highest region in New Zealand ( Ministry of Social Development).

There are significant challenges faced by our young people today.

The event is an opportunity to raise awareness of youth issues and encourage everyone to help make a difference for young people.

‘‘It is important that we recognise that it’s never been an easy time getting through childhood and teenage years, and young people today certainly have even more pressures to deal with,’’ FYD Waikato regional manager Nathan Hight said.

For more information about FYD Waikato visit fydwaikato.org.nz.