School Based Programmes
Challenge 2000 is involved with numerous schools in the Wellington region.
Challenge 2000 runs a variety of school based programmes. These programmes are indivdually catered for the needs of the school and the particular students involved. They cover many things from leadership development, to study skills, to more retreat based programmes focussing on social justice and service. Below are some examples of programmes we have run.
St Oran's - Leadership Day
Four of the Challenge staff team delivered a three hour programme at the year twelve 'Leadership Day' at St Oran's College. The programme included an interactive mix of games, big group discussions and team activities to tease out the concept of 'leadership' - what exactly is leadership, what does it mean to us and what does it involve? The activites encouraged plenty of constructive reflection and insightful discussions about different perceptions concerning the role of leadership
The day was full of enthusiasm from both the staff and the girls - the group was eager to openly participate in both discussion and team activities. Overall, the programme was an enormous success, highlighted by the loud and exciting games and lively group discussions.
COMMENTS:
What was valuable?
"When Challenge talked to us and got us thinking, because it really opened my mind to leadership. Also being told that all Year 13s are leaders because it encourages me that I can make a difference."
"Team building games because everyone gets to interact with people they don't usually hang out with."
"Working out what we see in a leader - being able to realise many attributes that are involved in being a leader. Stepping Stones - working together being able to co-operate and work as a team to get things done."
What valuable thing did you learn from the day?
"A better understanding of what my role will be next year."
"Inspired to be a servant leader."
"That being a leader is something that everyone is capable of."
"We have found the staff of Challenge 2000 to be passionate about leadership; they themsevels are good role models. They relate well to students, providing interactive and worthwhile activities. Feedback from students has been very positive. Students have gained not only an understanding of the aspects of leadership but also an insight into their own strengths as a leader." - Dawn Ackroyd (Principal of St Oran's College)
St Mary's College Wellington
Study Hints for Year 11
140 students attended this workshop. Kitty McKinley gave a scintillating talk explaining accelerated learning techniques and last minute ways to succeed in exams despite a years malaise.
Matalena Leaupepe informed the students that attitude dictates altitude and that they needed to sort out what their goals were and what they really wanted to achieve.
Divi Taylor, Natalie Hornyak, Kaisalina Mealamu and Luke Collins all shared study experiences and factors that had helped them all to thrive, not just survive, in stressful study years.
References
St Johns College
The team modeled excellent leadership to the students and the varied activities the students were involved in, drew from them leadership skills. There were students actively participating in the program who would not usually be so involved. This gave them, our school staff and our religious education program, a real sense of humility.
The program was well designed in meeting the needs of the students. A great deal of obvious experience, thought, research, knowledge and understanding had gone into the planning by the Challenge team.
St Patrick’s College
I am hugely impressed by their absolute commitment to the people they work with. They have a particular focus on "at risk" youth and a philosophy of "never giving up" on a young person. I have personally observed their work, and as a College, we are very grateful for their efforts with some troubled students of our College.
At the other end of the spectrum, Challenge 2000 have provided a number of our students with significant leadership and personal development opportunities.
The staff of Challenge 2000 are to be commended for their dedication, enthusiasm and compassion. New Zealand society benefits greatly from the tireless work of Challenge 2000.