Oho Ake (Awaken/Rise Up) is a specialised youth development programme for young people who are identifying as disengaging from school, their whānau, their personal wellbeing and/or their community. Many of these rangatahi are lacking in positive role models, therefore one of the key components of Oho Ake is the ongoing mentoring of these students by the Ignite Sport youth development workers. Providing new sports and activities encourages these young people to try new things, often out of their comfort zone, and to achieve success, gain confidence and to keep going even when things get hard.
Ignite Sport has experience at both Intermediate and High School level and has also worked with Alternative Education providers.
“I’ve learnt that I should believe in myself and give things a go. This programme changed me by helping me be more managed with myself and to focus on the positive things around me and not the negative things.” Intermediate student.
“I now feel more confident and I’ve learnt to always ask for help when I need it.” High School student.
“These boys have learnt so many skills that they now apply in class and in the community, accepting setbacks and controlling their impulsive behaviour. To say you have made a difference is an understatement, you have kept some of these boys in school, given them an opportunity of an alternate future, and most importantly, introduced them to male role models that challenge what they thought it meant to be male.” Craig Sharp, Principal, Wainuiomata Intermediate.
If you are a Principal, HOD, Teacher, or Sports Coordinator who is interested in having Oho Ake run in your school please click here for more information.