Youth-Led Funds announced for Central Otago

Launched in early September, the Central Otago Rangatahi-Led Fund was created with the goal of funding projects and events led by rangatahi, which would encourage community engagement and excitement among the youth in Central Otago. The specific criteria for the fund were centred around the development of exciting experiences and creative ideas for youth in the district, that would be long lasting, promote cultural diversity and most importantly developed for youth by youth.

Leading the efforts of the Central Otago Rangatahi-Led Fund are seven dedicated Central Otago rangatahi: Noah Moody, Jessie McNeil, Morgan Calder, Izzy Miscisco, Chloe Murray, Chirlene Vorster, James Avenell. These young leaders have been actively involved in evaluating and making funding recommendations with the guidance and support of Otago Community Trust.

Out of a pool of six applications, four impactful Central Otago youth-led projects have been selected to receive grants totalling $14,400. The funded initiatives include:

• Dunstan Legacy Project (Dunstan High School) - $2,000 - A student-led initiative to address food inequity through a lunch and breakfast program called "Whawhai Matekai" which means fighting hunger.
• Rodeo Youth Camp (NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association) - $5,000 - The youth committee of the NZRCA are coordinating a three-day youth camp with rangatahi from both Australia and New Zealand, with clinics with carefully selected coaches, aiming to broaden their education, knowledge, and social circle.
• Cromwell Presbyterian Youth Group (Cromwell Presbyterian Church) - $2,400 - To support weekly activities of the youth group and regular camps and meetings with other youth groups in the region.
• Upper Clutha Youth Council (Kahu Youth) - $5000 -Contribution towards a mural in the new Kahu Youth Centre. Rangatahi will be involved in all aspects of the mural design and painting through weekend art workshops.

A full summary of the Rangatahi-Led Fund Projects Supported can be found on the Otago Community Trust website HERE