For three years now, Whenua Iti has been running the Employment and Life Skills (ELS) programme with rangatahi from the West Coast. Run in partnership with the West Coast Trades Academy, this programme supports young people to build confidence and life skills for the next stages of life beyond school.
Delivered over six short block courses, the ELS programme supports participants to take part in a range of activities including adventure challenges, team building games and preparing meals. It takes place in various locations in Te Tai Poutini and Te Tauihu. In August this year, the ELS participants travelled to the Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO) base from the West Coast. Some of the highlights included completing the WIO obstacle course, abseiling, prepping pizza for lunch and finding mussel shells, starfish and kina on Kaiteriteri Beach.
Melissa is a Teacher Aide who has been working alongside this student group for three years. “What I’ve found is that the programme gives the students opportunities that no one else does, supporting them to do activities that they otherwise wouldn’t do, in a safe, controlled, well-equipped environment.”
She is enthusiastic, reflecting on the range of experiences students have been exposed to. “They did rafting! What other organisation offers a kid with special needs the opportunity to jump in a raft. Especially on the West Coast we are very limited with the opportunities available. They abseiled! They went kayaking! These kids would never get to do that without a course like this.”
For some of the participants it is the first time they have ever been away from home. Melissa has noticed that the students are more willing to get out there and try new things since being on the programme. “Many of them are more willing to participate and interact with each other.”
Zak has been attending the ELS programme for three years. “My favourite part was when we did the Flying Kiore on the WIO tower. I liked it because everyone helped me to get up there.” As a result of the programme, he says, “I’m more out there, and able to help to others. I feel more a part of a team.” Zak said he was stoked, “to go away with all the other kids, to help cook food, and to help the teachers.”
Jaese, another third year student reflects, “I still feel like me but just a little bit more active”.
For Kieran, the highlights have been the walks and being on the swing bridge at Moana. “I like doing outdoor stuff.” When asked how the programme has changed him, he says, “It’s probably made me feel more confident. I haven’t been abseiling before and I’ve learned some new things like teamwork.”
Participant Kirsty loved doing the obstacle course, “It was awkward but fun!”
She was proud of herself for doing the Flying Kiore, “It was cool to go high in the sky!”
In general, she feels more confident. “I like trying new things, it’s fun.”
Grateful for the opportunity, Melissa says, “This programme shows the kids that they can do things they otherwise thought they couldn’t. It’s empowering for them.”
Employment Life Skills is offered in partnership with the West Coast Trades Academy. For more information, check out Employment and Life Skills – West Coast Trades Academy (wcta.ac.nz).