BGI’s latest initiative in supporting youth development centres on nurturing identity and resilience among rangatahi Māori.
Founded in 1883 by young people themselves, BGI has long been committed to supporting youth development in Wellington. The organisation’s approach centres around empowering young people to lead, fostering confidence and building meaningful connections within their communities. One of its key initiatives, the Kura Wānanga, embodies these principles through a Māori-led leadership series aimed at nurturing identity and resilience among rangatahi Māori.
Led by Kahukura Ritchie, alongside dedicated volunteers, Kura Wānanga is a series of three, three-day wānanga (gatherings) held at a marae in Wellington. These gatherings, held throughout the school, year cater to 40-60 year 12 and 13 rangatahi Māori. The wānanga focuses on exploring identity and whakapapa (ancestry), aiming to instill pride and a sense of direction in participants who may feel disconnected from their cultural roots.
The primary goal of Kura Wānanga is to foster resilient, capable young leaders grounded in their Māori identity. Through guided exploration of ‘Nō hea koe?’, ‘Ko wai koe?’, and ‘E haere ana koe ki hea?’ (Where are you from? Who are you? Where are you going?), participants engage with taonga tuku iho (cultural treasures) and tīpuna kōrero (ancestral stories), which form the foundation of their learning journey.
“My own personal journey and realisation of the need for mentorship inspired the creation of Kura Wānanga. Drawing on my own experiences and those of other rangatahi Māori, we developed a program to provide transformative experiences that strengthen cultural identity and community connections.” Kahu says.
Through Grants for Good, funded by HealthCare Plus, Kahu was able to provide crucial support that allowed BGI to expand Kura Wānanga’s reach and impact.
“Beyond sustaining the kaupapa, the grant enabled us to plan for future growth, develop educational resources and deepen our engagement with participants and their communities. This financial backing not only supported the program’s value but also boosted morale among participants and facilitators.” Kahu says.
Feedback from participants and school leaders has highlighted the kaupapa’s profound impact. Participants have expressed new-found pride in their Māori identity and strengthened connections to their cultural heritage. For example, one year 13 participant notes, “These wānanga have been the most inspiring, eye-opening, and empowering experiences of my life.”
School administrators highlight the kaupapa’s role in fostering resilience and self-confidence among students who previously felt disconnected or marginalised. A Deputy Principal described Kura Wānanga as “hiinaatore”, a guiding first light that unlocked strength and resilience among their Māori students.
Looking ahead, the aim is to expand Kura Wānanga’s reach, ensuring that all rangatahi Māori in Wellington and beyond have access to these transformative experiences. “We envision a sustainable model where past participants return as mentors, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the kaupapa’s initial sessions. This approach not only reinforces cultural continuity but also empowers future generations of Māori leaders,” says Kahu.
The ongoing commitment of BGI and its partners ensures that initiatives like Kura Wānanga continue to empower rangatahi Māori, fostering a future where cultural pride and leadership thrive.
Feedback from our Grant's committee about this project:
If you are interested and want to know more this year's Grants for Good and how to apply for one, then click below to find out more.
Got an idea to
MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE?
Leave a comment