Hon Peter Dunne and Hon Nikki Kaye join us for Youth Week 2017

The theme of Youth week was “Our Voices Count, Count Our Voices” ……

In the weeks leading up to it, our Youth Workers, young leaders and youth volunteers organised an Amazing Race, prepared clues, did art work and made up a song called “Whakarongomai”.

50 young people were directly involved in the Race, the discussions in the Loaves and Fishes Hall and then the visit to Parliament where they were hosted by the Challenge’s local MP the Honourable Peter Dunne and the Minister of Education and Youth Development the Honourable Nikki Kaye who answered questions and discussed things with the group.

The young people who spoke, mentioned climate change, poverty, the Free West Papua campaign, compulsory Te Reo in schools, terrorism, making political issues more understandable for younger people, the voting age and honouring the Treaty as matters they were concerned about.

The young people were very impressed by the attention that Nikki Kaye gave each of their questions/comments and also the way she shared her recent health challenge. Nikki challenged the Youth week participants to value and live their lives and do what they could to use their gifts to make an impact.

After Parliament, participants had kai back at the hall and worked out ways that they could become more involved in serving their communities and becoming full citizens of Aotearoa.

Mayor of Wellington’s visit to Challenge 2000

Challenge 2000 had the privilege of a visit from the Mayor of Wellington, Justin Lester.  This was an informal meeting where we talked about our work in the greater Wellington region and Wellington City, and our work to enhance social justice, social responsibility and personal dignity.

Justin was impressed with the number of staff and volunteers we have and the work we do. In particular, he was interested in the 5 youth houses we run in Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay and Island Bay.

A wide range of topics were covered including our new premises in Wanaka Street,  the plight of at risk young people, emergency water tanks, the role we could play in civil defence emergencies and a discussion on the provisions of our Wellington City contract.   A valuable meeting for us and Justin we think!

 

Quiz Night Thank You

Challenge 2000 has regularly held quiz evenings and other fundraising events across our 28 year history and this year was our most successful. 19 teams competed for a range of great prizes and all reported a very enjoyable night, even though there was a typical Wellington storm happening outside.  It is humbling to acknowledge continuing recognition of the great work Challenge 2000 undertakes for young people and families in Johnsonville and the greater Wellington region.
The money raised will go directly towards our various youth programmes.  While we receive Government funding for some of our work that we do, many of the services we offer are possible only with the money we are able to raise through events like the quiz night.
Thank you again to those that participated in the quiz evening.

ANZAC Day

Today Challenge 2000 remembers all those who served our country in war and in peace.

 
We remember their commitment, struggles, fears, pain and achievements.
 
We commit ourselves to making Aotearoa- New Zealand and our world a better place in our time.
 
We will continue to challenge ourselves and others to live lives of sacrifice and service. We will learn to live by the values of honour, integrity, love, citizenship and responsibility.
We will remember them.

Challenge 2000 Quiz Night

Come along to our fantastic quiz night, on Sunday the 30th of April, 6.45pm at the Johnsonville Community Centre. 

There are going to be some awesome prizes to be won including passes on the Interislander, accommodation at the Museum Hotel, Restaurant Vouchers, Car Service Vouchers, a Bike and much more!

Please register yourself or your teams with Megan ASAP by email challenge2000@xtra.co.nz or 04 477 6827!!

Quiz Poster 2017

Breakfast and Lunch Clubs

With schools back in action, Challenge 2000 offers breakfast and lunch clubs at a few colleges in Porirua.  All students from the schools are welcome and encouraged to join us for food, conversation and healthy eating tips.

These programmes began with a hope that they would address various needs for each student that participates.  It’s a great time to socialise outside of the classroom and be nourished with a healthy meal in the process!

Last week at the lunch club we had 20 students come and enjoy some delicious chicken curry with rice and fruit salad on the side.  The menu each week is different, scrumptious and an assortment of goodness! The students seem to really like the variety and it gives them something unique, fun and fulfilling to look forward to each week.

If you would like to contribute towards the breakfast and lunch clubs, please contact Challenge 2000 – 04 477 0045.  Any contribution is appreciated.

Kopua Retreat

Eight young people from Masterton, Porirua and Wellington joined Challenge staff and volunteers at the beautiful Monastery in Kopua, just outside the Hawkes Bay, for a three day retreat.

We had a fantastic few days talking and reflecting on the Year of Mercy.  Topics discussed included: “Who Am I”, “Who is God”, “Servant Leadership”.

It was great for the young people and Challenge 2000 to leave reality behind and reconnect back to both themselves and to God.  New and old friendships were formed and strengthened and a new connection has developed between the Companions and the Monks in the Monastery. We thank the Monks at Kopua for allowing us to stay at the beautiful, restful and tranquil Monastery.

Reflecting IMG_7491 Group

 

Wellington Community Law Training

Law students at Victoria University have been training Challenge 2000 young people over a number of weeks.  Topics have included employment rights, rental agreements, hire purchase, legal rights and responsibilities, health and sexuality and lots more.

Our Challenge 2000 young people learnt a great deal and related well to the positive, humorous, caring and knowledgeable lawyers to be.

Thanks to the Wellington Community Law Centre for making these training events possible!!

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Breakfast Club at Mana College

Breakfast is served at Mana College!
Have a healthy start to the day! Good chat – Play games – Make pancakes, french toast and other yummy creations.

 Students are welcome to come and hang out (and thaw out) in the warmth every Wednesday morning in Hauroa, 8.30am-9.45am. Screen Shot 2016-06-15 at 11.45.21 am