Making connections for youth leaving school

July 5th, 2012
[by David Armstrong]

An organisation which aims to see all Nelson and Tasman youngsters aged 15 to 19 to transition from school into further training or a successful adult working life yesterday provided information of its services to the Motueka Community & Whanau Collective.

The two women who run the Connections service, Tania O'Donnell and Jenna Baxter, told the meeting of 18 people how they form connections with around 90 per cent of school leavers in the district and use whatever contact media they have to maintain that connection.

The main focus of their work is helping and supporting youngsters into the workforce when they suddenly find themselves trying to make their way in the "real world". Tania and Jenna maintain a database of all their clients, from which they can note trends.

They said that, despite a lot of negative media publicity about young people, most of their clients are in tertiary education or employment, although some jobs are low quality ones in part-time situations with irregular hours.

One way Connections tackles employment issues is to run regular forums for employment providers. One of these forums will be run in Motueka this year. They provide opportunities for those working with young people to raise issues, share information and form closer relationships.

Connections' data is also fed into the Economic Development Agency's "Tracking the Nelson Regional Economy" report. For more invitation, phone or visit their website: www.connections.gen.nz

Also at the Community & Whanau meeting, Maihi Barber told the group about the Stargazers night last Saturday, when young Maori leaders were recognised with awards. About 140 people attended this inaugural event, which Te Awhina Marae hopes will grow in future.

Maihi, who organised the event, said it would be a success if just two or three "dreamers" are drawn in as a result of seeing other youth leaders being celebrated.

Samuel Rubie, of the Department of Corrections, said his department was looking for more work opportunities for his charges in community group projects. Men doing community service were sometimes not always the most industrious of workers, but many of them do put in a decent effort and the results - such as improvements to the Inlet Walkway - can be very impressive.

Sonny Alesana, from the new Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (Mobie), spoke of the services he provides for newcomers and particularly immigrants to Nelson and Tasman. He is setting up a "Speed Networking" hui, whereby community groups and service providers can meet each other and explain their services in three- to four-minute, one-on-one sessions.

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel