CHALLENGE 2000, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOCIETY OF MARY, PRESENTS THE

Gap Year 2017

Since 2007 the Society of Mary and Challenge 2000 have offered a full time GAP YEAR programme based in Wellington. Every year 8 young people have accepted the Challenge to say “YES” and spend a year developing and serving others. Participants have usually completed Year 13 and want to gain additional formation and life experience before choosing future careers. Occasionally we accept a young person who wants to take “time out” from University or work to discern their future vocation.

During the GAP YEAR programme the participants work at Challenge 2000, Marist projects, Colleges or other community organisations and groups for three days per week. The other two days they receive theoretical and experiential training. They also have a one-month pastoral placement towards the end of the year.

We currently have 8 young people from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand that are benefiting from great opportunities: Placements this year might include Fiji, the Island of Wallis, Davao in the Philippines, Chanel College in Apia, Hiruharama, L’Arche, Napier, Toluca in Mexico, Dunedin, Auckland, Okaihau, Palmerston North, Haast and many other places.

 

“This year has been a hectic one to say the least.  Our days are very rarely ever the same and can consist of a range of activities such as mentoring, youth work assessments, leading groups in school retreats, attending seminars, missions (which can take you anywhere around Wellington and the Greater Wellington regions) and attending events to support past and present Challenge whanau.  Although these activities seem random, there is always a lesson that is learnt and they often benefit those in the community.  To me, the Marist Challenge Gap Year has been one of radical self-discovery and an adventure I have been asking for, for a very long time.”

Charlotte – current Gap Student