Youth Issues
When I stood for the Horowhenua District Council I campaigned on a youth platform at 29 years of age. Once elected I soon realised that youth affairs were not a big part of Local Government and often got over-looked.
That is changing over time with a stronger youth voice in communities, and the Government having a vibrant Minister of Youth Affairs in Paula Bennett. We also have a Youth Parliament every three years where we hope outstanding teenagers will get motivated into politics and further leadership roles.
For parents, keeping teenagers safe, happy and healthy is the main priority. Issues such as drugs, alcohol, crime, physical and mental health are all important.
Therefore it’s great news that $20,000 extra in new funding has been announced for three local programmes by the Ministry of Youth Development.
The Kapiti Youth Support (One Stop Shop Trust) in Paraparaumu, the Otaki Women’s Health Group and Life to the Max in Levin and will share the funding.
Kapiti Youth Support does a great job with teenagers health and receives $5,000 to run a programme to help young mothers gain the necessary skills they need to become good parents.
Horowhenua’s Life to the Max service in Levin receives $10,000 to run a programme in Colleges to educate students on the dangers involved with drugs and alcohol. Finance Minister Bill English visited this programme with me last year and was impressed.
The Otaki Women’s Health group receive $5,000 to run an expo to help youth plan what they want to see happening in and around Otaki.
These organisations provide great services to young people in our region and I’m really pleased they have been selected in this funding round.
This money will allow them to continue and expand on the work they are doing, make a real impact on young lives.
The funding comes from the Ministry of Youth Development’s Services for Young People Fund, which helps young people aged between 12 and 24 years reach their potential and be successful in their lives.
Can I also congratulate this week’s graduates from Youth Quest Kapiti who will now put their skills they have learnt to good use in our community. Well done team.