MRGS APEX Year 9 boys program

 The Apex program has been designed to journey the first year of high school with 18 year 9 boys who have just started at Mount Roskill Grammar School. The program is held in school for a period on Friday mornings and is run for the whole year. I have planned the program around the Circle of Courage; a model developed by Larry Brendtro for youth development aimed at building resiliency in young people. The model has 4 stages, belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. Each term will cover a stage of the circle of courage building resiliency within the boys and the ability to solve problems. The goal for us is to journey through the school year with the boys and develop positive outcomes. Outcomes such as attendance, behavior, academic progress and contribution to the school. With some good progress through term two we aim to build on the good group dynamics that exist even though running the program on the last day of the term created some chaos. The group smoothed themselves out over the holidays with the holiday trip to the movies. This was really about having fun and no intentional development as I believe in the importance of the relationship side of the program. It was a good experience for the boys and you could see how well they are gelling together. Since returning after the holidays we have focused on independence and the ability to problem solve. As a group and as individuals it is encouraging to see the growth in the boys. I am looking forward to seeing them complete their first year of high school in preparation for the years to come. 
Jon Riki - Youth Worker

 

The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Youth Conference - Jon Riki

In June this year I co-facilitated The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Youth Conference for young people in Auckland held at The Auckland Council Youth Centre RYZ in Wesley. Over 300 young people where in attendance representing schools and community groups. I had the privilege of setting the tone for the day by running icebreaker activities for all the young people; this was a challenge with the biggest group activities I have ever had to run but I was proud of my effort. The Aim of the conference was to strengthen the Pacific voice across Auckland and connect the young people to their representative who are part of The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs. This was achieved through guest speakers and break out sessions to keep the young people engaged and participating. All up it was a good experience and I definitely feel that I have improved in larger group facilitation. I also believe the young people who attended left inspired and empower about their identity as a Pacific young person. Jon Riki – Youth Worker

Coaching MRGS U15A Rugby

This year Michael and I (Sagele Palaamo) have been coaching the Mount Roskill Grammar under 15 A grade rugby team, every Tuesday and Thursday after school and then games on Saturday. Coaching has been good experience  working with the U15 boys. We had a good preseason but then I think the boys got a shock when the season started in A grade (contestably the highest quality U15 grade in the world) but I think the boys have done well being their first time in A grade rugby. It is also the first time Mount Roskill Grammar School have had a team in a rugby A Grade in 10 years. I have learnt a lot as the season has gone on. Looking back from the beginning of the season to where they are now, the main core group of boys have really grown, and I can see that they are learning and willing to take on board what we are coaching them. Sagele Palaamo – Student Youth Worker

Josh Tupou Youth Work Studies (Praxis)

This Year I have started the Praxis Diploma in Community and Youth Studies. The course is based around 5 week and a half block courses each year for two years.  We also do weekly regional cluster groups. Praxis has been an awesome journey for me just being blessed with people that believe in young people. The Journey has really tested me through the assessments I have to complete becaue I am not that acedemic. There is a strong faith element to the study and I am also just starting my journey with God. I have come to realize that he plays a big part in my life and that he can achieve wonders through the work we do in our communities. Praxis has also given me the chance to do a lot of mentoring of young people, Activity Based Learning, group management and a lot more.  I am enjoying the study experience with Praxis because of its family enviroment and commitment to good youth workers over a certificate. Josh Tupou - Student Youth Worker

Winter Peak 2013

Winter peak 2013 (15^th-21^st July) was memorable experience for me and the group of six boys. Winter Peak is a adventure week based out of Blue Mountain Adventure Centre on the edge of Mt Ruapehu. Getting to do things extreme from our world in Auckland was exciting and at the same time terrifying. It was awesome to see the boys step up to the plate and give all the activities 100% even though they were so nervous about sleeping in the snow caves we built on the mountain. Each of the activities pushed the boys differently for some the white water rafting or trying to fit through a small gap in underground caving others the mountain biking or high  ropes. Winter peak has a price to it but we know the investment that the experinece has. We have seen the experience be a strong stake in the sand for many of the young people we have taken in the past. This years groups were very tight and its been great to see how they have continued to support each other since returning from the trip. I am very proud of the boys that came and hope that the experience is something that they will never forget and always challenge their approach to life. 

Josh Tupou - Student Youth Worker