LSV march out
Challenge 2000 continues its partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force transforming young people. Our social Worker Ed Thirwall from Trentham reports:
Ed at the formal dinner
Diamonds are formed under pressure
Ed at the formal dinner
April 2011 marks the one year anniversary of Challenge 2000 having Challenge 2000 Social Workers on the ground with the New Zealand Defence Force. The terrain is not a desert or a war zone but instead represents one of the most exciting youth development projects for 17-25 year olds in the country. Challenge 2000 provides personnel at Burnham, Hobsonville and Trentham to provide social work support for young people and staff.
The Limited Volunteer Programme (LSV) is a full residential, six week programme that’s focus is providing young unemployed New Zealanders with the skills and attributes to gain full time employment. This programme has sometimes been referred to as a boot camp. I disagree. Absolutely it is a challenging, intensive, high octane personal development programme based on a model underpinned by discipline, respect and routine. However it also adds depth by providing Trainee’s opportunities to transcend emotional, physical and psychological obstacles that may have been affecting their ability to become well functioning members of society.
Trainees on the journey
In this way the programme becomes a place of becoming. Whether trainee’s need to shed the skin of pain, trauma and anxiety or step away from a previous life of crime, gang involvement or self-deprecating inaction the LSV project is the place to do it. Young people on the road to personal development need a place to test themselves and this initiative represents the liminal space where individuals can transform themselves if they choose too.
The men and women of the New Zealand Defence force play a crucial role in this transformation providing a mirror of discipline, integrity, courage, commitment and comradeship for the Trainee’s to aspire too. However make no mistake, this is programme is not an easy one. It takes participants beyond the threshold they could imagine they would step and into a pressure-cooker environment that leads to success and confidence. There they discover who they are and can be – as we all know diamonds are formed under pressure.
Staff posing
In 2011 Challenge 2000 continues its partnership with NZDF to provide social workers for the LSV Programmes at Trentham, Burnham and Hobsonville.
