Youth Week to give Insight into Young and Old

Youths and adults will have the chance to mix and learn from each other during Youth Week this month.

Activities have been planned where the generations can gain an insight into each other, and explore how to strengthen the relationships between them.

“This year’s theme for Youth Week is relationships, and our focus is on encouraging young people to develop the relationships they have with the older people in their lives – be they parents, caregivers, grandparents or mentors,” says Acting Manager Community Development Mary-Anne Priest.

Last year, a survey of 10,000 secondary school students had 45 per cent of them saying they did not get enough time with their parents.

“Young people not only need the guidance and companionship of older people, but they want it as well,” says Ms Priest.

“So the Council’s Youth Subcommittee and Youth Reference Group, as well as Waves, Taranaki Feats and Vocational Literacy Specialists have organised a variety of events for Youth Week to get the generations talking with each other and taking part in great activities.”

Youth Week runs from 23 to 31 May, although it is launched in New Plymouth on Friday 22 May with a mentors evening.

Seventy-five young leaders in the community have been invited to attend with a person they consider to be a mentor, and they will hear from The Sami Sisters – Madeleine, Anji and Pryia – on the importance of young people developing good relationships with the adults/mentors in their lives.

On 25 May TaranakiTanga (CRCT ONE WORD: TaranakiTanga) will celebrate the talent of local youths, who will showcase their live music, movies and art to invited district court judges, councillors, and representatives of social agencies and the Youth Justice Department.

Then the younger and older generations get to challenge each other to a variety of activities at The Generational Games on 30 May.
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“Members of the Positive Ageing Trust, the Youth Subcommittee and Youth Reference Group will compete in mixed teams in lawn bowls, croquet, a trivia quiz and a singer-songwriter competition,” says Ms Priest.

“That day should be a lot of fun as everyone has a go at activities that the other generation enjoys.”

Also during Youth Week, the subcommittee and reference group members will meet to discuss youth issues and plan a research project – the results of which will be reported back to New Plymouth District Council.

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