The MDYC project has been co-designed by our rangatahi and kaimahi from Lifewise Youth Housing Service. Together we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of the young people in our care as well as their whānau. The kick-off event, initially called T'up event, was attended by sector peers, education providers, and various youth services to create a network of support and development opportunities for our rangatahi.

The MDYC event marks the beginning of a journey by youth, for youth, and we can't wait to see what the future holds. A couple of our young people, Zion and Te Kahu were involved in conceptualising the name of the programme and designing the logo respectively, as seen on the hoodies of our YH team and in the live spray painting of our guest artist.

MDYC Partners

We mihi to Mana Whenua Ngāti Tamaoho, Kaumatua Toi Katipa, who opened the event with a heartfelt whakatau, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the day. DJ Tony Tonez also provided upbeat music during the event. Our sector partners also played a crucial role in making this event a success as we aim to connect our rangatahi to employment and education development opportunities. We extend our appreciation to each one of them, from MSDs Connected.govt.nz, Te Wāhanga Whai Mahi Employment Zone, Study Link, LSV, to Te Taura Here, Link Alliance and Sky City's Project Nikau for their unwavering support.

A special highlight was the inspiring kōrero delivered by Ezekiel Raui, youth leader and Head of Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation. Ezekiel captivated us all with his powerful message on the importance of self-belief, encouraging our rangatahi to dream big and take bold steps towards their future.

The key moment of the event was the presentation of excellence certificates awarded to our rangatahi, celebrating the employment and education achievements that they have achieved while in the Lifewise Youth Housing Programme. Whether continuing higher education, embarking on apprenticeships, or pursuing other forms of training, these young people have shown incredible dedication and hard work.

A standout moment was recognising Rohario, one of our exceptional rangatahi, who recently received the prestigious Oranga Tamariki Prime Minister's Award. This award acknowledges the talents, achievements, and immense potential of our youth, providing them with a scholarship to support their educational journeys. As for Rohario, she is currently on her way to completing her education in beauty school, a dream she has been passionately pursuing.

As we celebrated the successes of our rangatahi, we embraced the Youth Week 2024 theme: 'Māwherangi a tama roto ka taka, kāpuia ake ka pūrangiaho' – 'We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.' This theme perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our community and the incredible potential that lies within our youth.

Here's to more successes, more milestones, and a brighter future for our rangatahi! Mauri ora! 🌟

MDYC Logo that was designed by our own rangatahi. The logo was printed on the jumpers of our YH team.

About the logo: The larger Koru represents the Kaimahi and the little koru represents rangatahi, it's about protecting and nurturing us so that us Rangatahi can grow. The nature and marae that is incorporated is Rangatahi reconnecting to the Whenua through Te Ao Māori. The Maunga represents our tipuna/ancestors. The water represents the obstacles that might get in our way but through it all we still persevere

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