Tararua Community Youth Services Inc

TCYS provides support and advocacy to youth between the ages of 11 to 24 years. They offer specialist programmes like life skills, camps, education, training and mentoring to build self-esteem and resilience. As a community organisation, they are very much focused on the wellbeing of the overall community today and for tomorrow. Their purpose is ‘All young people of Tamariki nui a Rua will be healthy, have opportunities and strive towards success no matter the circumstances.’

Champion Development funding supports rangatahi in leadership positions that are leading community-support programme design and decision making. Georgina Morrison ECCT Chair says, “We seek to empower rangatahi to make their own decisions with regards to funding, to be part of the process, and to guide strategies that enable the best impact for young people.”

At TCYS, rangatahi are involved in the organisation at all levels, from design right through to delivery of individual initiatives. 

The key programme ECCT’s funding is supporting is Guys 4 Guys, an initiative driven by young men for young men. Within the programme there are a number of under-privileged youth, as well as many who have had troubled upbringings. The programme empowers individuals to drive positive change in their lives while giving them the confidence and skills to move forward with a positive outlook. It also benefits the community, supporting a more positive community contribution by participants and by reducing anti-social activities.

TCYS tell us that the fund has enabled them to support more youth with better resources. It’s been a strong catalyst for their programme, driving positive results with rangatahi, and which attracts more participants and mentors to be involved.

The Champion Rangatahi Development fund supports organisations that target ECCT’s communities of focus; rangatahi Māori, Pasifika youth, young people with disabilities, rainbow youth and rangatahi in communities experiencing hardship/disadvantage. Champion organisations are those that create spaces that reflect cultural diversity and exercise Tino Rangatiratanga, utilise Mātauranga Māori and support the professional and personal development of the kaimahi working with Rangatahi.