West Auckland rangatahi and tamariki have been dancing, drumming, learning self-defence and playing a range of sports as part of Aktive Zone’s initiative to get more young people moving.

The community programme involves various free sessions and classes including hip hop dance, Siva Afi Drumline workshops, instrument beginner sessions, Siva Samoa dance classes, cultural song groups and multi-sport sessions.

Aktive Zone’s Jo Armstrong says the programme offers opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities to try out new activities in a safe space.

“Many of our rangatahi and tamariki, particularly those from our disability community and high deprivation areas, just don’t get the chance to experience activities like this,” explains Jo.  “Our main focus is to promote fun, physical activity for children from all backgrounds who might need social engagement, more physical activity or a boost in confidence.”

The classes were held at New Lynn Community Centre and Northall Park and more than 300 people have attended across the 100 different sessions, over the past year.

Sport Waitākere facilitated the funding process with Tū Manawa  Active Aotearoa, to help with much-needed funding for the initiative.

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa is an activation fund that supports tamariki (5-11yrs), rangatahi (12-18yrs) and tāngata whaikaha (5-18 including those in school up to age 21), particularly those who are less active, to access quality play, active recreation and sport opportunities of their choice in their community, school or kura.

Jamie Lane, Data, Insights & Special Projects Lead at Sport Waitākere, says the combination of cultural, sporting and musical sessions was aimed at catering to everyone.

“From hip hop classes, Siva Afi Drumline workshops and guitar and ukulele lessons to cultural song events, soccer and basketball, the children were having fun engaging with others and learning practical and social skills,” says Jamie.

The programme was run at various times during the week and weekend allowing families to get involved to support their children and build friendships within their community.  One parent expressed their gratitude to Aktive Zone for the opportunities that would otherwise be very difficult to create or find for her children.

“My three children were able to play touch rugby for the first time with a team and coach during the season.  They were also able to try out the ukulele and make great friends along the way.”

The inclusion of culture into the project made a big impact, enabling a safe space for the neurodiverse tamariki and rangatahi. 

The parent of one participant said: “Thanks so much for being a blessing to our son and family.  I’ve never been able to just leave him to join in an activity and I’m so grateful for your programme which was so inclusive.  We felt so welcome in a place that we can bring all our children to join in together.”

Jo hopes the programme can expand and continue to reach more communities.  “It’s humbling to know there is help and assistance for a community-based programme that started small but is growing year on year.  I know there is more potential and greatness we can bring to this programme and the funding and support is mind blowing.”

Article added: Wednesday 13 November 2024