Challenge brings change to youth and families
This journey has been absolutely amazing. We have built such a strong friendship and always have heaps of fun together.
Laura Putt
Laura Putt, a mentor on the Ka¯ piti Challenge for Change programme, has had the privilege of working with Tyrell Eru, 10, on the first pilot programme within Ka¯ piti.
Challenge for Change is an early intervention mentoring programme that supports 9 to 13-year-old youth in the Ka¯ piti community and has been running for over 16 years in Wellington.
“This journey has been absolutely amazing. We have built such a strong friendship and always have heaps of fun together,” Laura said.
“This is a friendship that will last a lifetime.
“This programme has grown both of us and we can’t wait for many more adventures.”
The holistic family approach means that parents benefit from being part of a programme that also offers them support.
Tyrell’s mother Aleena Holland said, “Challenge for Change has provided the skills to allow me to parent in a different way — we don’t argue as much and we calm down before we get to the stage of arguing.
“I am more understanding with Tyrell when he has an issue and I listen to him more about issues he may have.
“Everybody has noticed a change in Tyrell’s behaviour too, even his school has commented that his behaviour has improved a lot since being part of Challenge for Change.”
The standout benefit of this programme is that, not only does the mentor and young person benefit from this incredible journey, but the parents, siblings, peers and friends of the mentors all benefit too.
“We acknowledge this as the ripple effect as we see such positive results within our community, building a society that is better connected,” Laura said.
Contact c4c.info@kit.org.nz if you’re interested in becoming a mentor — mentors for sought for an upcoming programme.
■ Further details can also be found on the Ka¯piti Challenge for Change Facebook page www.facebook.com/kapitiC4C/