At Heartlands Martinborough, 20 people gathered to hear the inspirational Wayne Poutoa talk about his journey to establishing the Carterton Youth Village.
He brought four rangatahi whose stories moved us to tears – from the depths of despair to being able to speak to a group of strangers about their experiences in a very personal and hugely brave way, restoring our faith in humanity.
Wayne explained how, when he realised his own way of life wasn’t ideal and he saw the next generation experiencing the same, he really had to do something to stop the cycle.
If you’ve not heard of CYV – find out! Young people with a rough start in life – due to abuse (sexual, physical, emotional – often at home), neglect, or parental separation live at the Village in a nurturing environment until they find their feet and their confidence – and not a Boot Camp in sight.
The supportive accommodation enables young people to focus on personal growth – individual life planning, goal setting, and life skills. Support is ongoing until the young person is ‘up and running’ and remains for as long as needed.
Guidance includes educational and employment pathways, advocacy and resource support to help young people thrive. And thrive they do! What inspiring stories we heard, from people going onto to study Psychology at Massey, to running a renowned restaurant in Melbourne and living locally with work and family in tow.
Despite seeing its success, the government doesn’t fund the Village so there is the recurring grind of seeking funding. Seeing how CYV empowers rangatahi long term, the lack of government support is depressing.
Follow Carterton Youth Village (a registered charity) on Facebook and see their website which includes a tab to donate.
He brought four rangatahi whose stories moved us to tears – from the depths of despair to being able to speak to a group of strangers about their experiences in a very personal and hugely brave way, restoring our faith in humanity.
U3A May Meeting. The Wahinga Centre, Supper Room.
In May we welcome, from Martinborough, John Mansell. John is a Master Mariner and Fellow of the Nautical Institute of London with a seafaring career spanning thirty-five years. During this time, he served aboard general and refrigerated cargo ships trading world-wide, fishing vessels, and spent twenty years in command of passenger/rail/road ferries in the Cook Strait. John is the First New Zealander to be appointed Chartered Master Mariner (CMMaR) by the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, London.
John is an experienced ocean racing and cruising yachtsman including two fully crewed races to the South Pacific, races around New Zealand’s North Island, Great Britain and Ireland, as well as to
Australia, and two east to west singlehanded Trans-Atlantic races.
It’s going to be interesting!
Booked for July
For the July meeting Rachel Barwell will discuss child and adult dyslexia and the ‘Davis Method’ of managing it.
Everyone welcome.
Correction to the article that appeared in the February edition of The Martinborough Star.
I said that we enjoyed a drink and biscuits at the end of the meeting. In fact, we don’t. I’m sorry if I raised your expectations!
