Youth Week Highlights Valuing Young People

21/05/2009 | Youth Week Highlights Valuing Young People

Youth Week, from 23-31 May, is about creating a society that values young people and affirms their diversity. The week aims to highlight the amazing things young people (12-24 years) do. In 2009 the focus is on relationships.

The country’s biggest survey of young people ‘Youth 2007’ included 10,000 secondary school students.  About 45% of those interviewed reported they didn’t get enough time with their parents. “This is big stuff. Much bigger than it sounds,” says principle researcher Dr Simon Denny.  More positively 90% of the students thought their parent(s) cared about them a lot. The reason young people gave for not getting enough time was that their parents were busy with work.
MidCentral Health Promoter Marama McGrath-McDonald says: “This week is about making time for young people - providing a listening ear, taking a genuine interest in their life and activities they are involved in “Youth Week provides an opportunity to foster the relationships between adults and young people – so play a part and work toward making those relationships happier and healthier ones.   Get to know a young person – what are their goals and aspirations, who are their friends, what are their interests and how is school/work going for them.

Nationally, there are a huge range of events and activities being held to celebrate young people.

Regionally, free art, drama and musical workshops will be held in schools within the Manawatu district providing an opportunity for young people to build a positive relationship with their school and the wider community.   A team of young people from the Manawatu Youth Forum will work alongside local artist Eric Brew to design and paint the public toilets in Feilding.(Contact Lisa Foggin at Manawatu District Council, telephone (06) 323 8330 for further details).

Also, Joella Raika-Wright from Muaupoko Tribal Authority Trust Inc, based in Levin is coordinating the ‘Nua Revolution’ Youth Exposé.  Featuring DJ Doughboy, MC Perceive, and a female hip hop dance crew - Habit, street volleyball, top town games, graffiti art exhibition plus prizes and giveaways at the adventure park during the day.  Afternoon and evening events will see 13-18-year-olds getting ‘Wet & Wild’ at the Levin Aquatic Centre with a live DJ followed by ‘Black & White’ themed dance at the Levin Memorial Hall. (Contact Joella, telephone (06) 367 3311 for more information).
The Basement at the Palmerston North library is holding a ‘Guitar World Tour Hero’ on Thursday 28th May.(Telephone Kiri Thompson (06) 351 4100 for more information).

Compiled by Marama McGrath-McDonald, Health Promoter, Public Health Services, MidCentral Health.