Kawerau Future Leaders’ Program Marlena Martin is the coordinator for this program being run in Kawerau for the 3rd year.She is employed by Inspire who are based in Wellington and have 6 groups running throughout NZ.
It is an evolving program that aims to inspire our youth aged 16 to 25 and to share their voice in their communities. They are the Kiwi charity backing young New Zealanders to change the world and have supported thousands of people to engage in the big issues of our time, build capability, and make a difference for our future.
They inspire action, build capability, create change.
Mareana Waata is one of the participants and has had a “blast” so far this year. It has been a rich year full of activities.
During the Lockdown they put together Family Care Packages and these were delivered to families who were struggling --- they included food, hygiene items and school stationery.
The look on the faces of the recipients was rewarded enough but it also highlighted that Kawerau can come together and look after their own. They have been fundraising to buy custom designed hoodies so they can represent our town proudly. And they wore these at the Youth Conference in Waikanae that the Rotary Club sponsored them to enable them to attend. At this conference, there was 60 youth from all over NZ where they felt a sense of belonging and wholeness. Items discussed included global warming, equality, and moving forward from the Lockdown.
President: Lynette Dolman 027.5674686 lynettedolman@hotmail.co.nz Secretary: Brian Faulkner 308.8524 brian.faulkner@xtra.co.nz Treasurer: Gail Dobbin 027.4829130 gail.dobbin@xtra.co.nz Club Postal Address: 403 River Road, Kawerau www.kaweraurotary.org.nz and www.facebook.com/groups/2284766425089687/ Wednesday 5th. August 2020 at Jive Café They are planning a community event in Kawerau for September which will cover many topics including mental health and wellbeing, a connection with their town, and the responsibility to vote in the General Election. They will also be collaborating with the Kawerau Youth Council. Mareana and the others deeply appreciated
Rotary’s involvement and sponsorship and ongoing care for the youth of Kawerau, and as a little token of their love they presented the club with a box of Maltesers which will be raffled at the next meeting