RECIPIENTS OF OUR SUPPORT

People are the most important aspect of the activities of The Fletcher Trust, and how they utilise the funds and the resultant benefits are particularly rewarding parts of being a Trustee. Our emphasis is on providing assistance so that people can help themselves. On the following pages, we have included some examples of projects that have received support in the past from The Fletcher Trust. They should provide potential applicants with an idea of the types of projects that we support.

Youthtown
Global Youth
Life Education Trust
Living Values
Youth Skills New Zealand
The Young Enterprise Scheme

^  TOP

Youthtown

Youthtown Police and Citizens Club provides support, encouragement and direction for young people in their formative years (age 7-19), particularly those facing difficult times or are at risk. The aim is to bring out the best in kids by providing opportunities and empowering young people to become ideal citizens, contributing to a positive social vision. You can find out more about Youthtown on their website.

In 1991 Youthtown instituted an After School Programme, chiefly for the benefit of ‘latch key kids’. Youngsters are able to use the full facilities of Youthtown – swimming, computers, art, etc. – after school finishes. The Fletcher Trust has made several contributions to the scheme and in 2000 provided funds towards a project in Grey Lynn targeted at youngsters close to Youthtown, but whose parents were unable to afford the transport costs involved.

“We have found that this programme’s success lies in directing participants’ attention to goals which are achievable and divert attention away from the undesirable dangerous or illegal influences which are around,” commented Jeremy Sutton-Pratt, Executive Director of Youthtown, on receiving the funds from The Fletcher Trust.

^  TOP

Global Youth

Global Youth Foundation is a charitable trust devoted to producing programmes and systems that help people learn to communicate better. It engenders self esteem and positive attitudes to life, fostering the development of leadership skills and empowering families to work as a supportive and co-operative unit. The Foundation assists all involved to accept personal responsibility for their own well-being and the direction of their lives. More information is on the Global Youth website.

The Fletcher Trust has supported Global Youth over many years, sending children of staff of Fletcher Challenge companies to the programmes, as well as children nationwide from outside of the Fletcher Challenge community, many of them 'at risk'.

“Our daughter attended the Discovery Programme and thoroughly enjoyed it. She learnt so much and enjoyed participating and making new friends and finding a focus. We have not seen her so animated and positive for years and years.”

“Before sending my two sons together on the programme I talked to a couple of my co-workers who had children attend. They spoke very highly of the programme. Both of them really enjoyed the course and made some permanent gains in their ability to study an interact with others. My own first hand impression of the programme was also very favourable. There was a lot of enthusiasm and energy.”

^  TOP

Life Education Trust

The role of Life Education Trust is to provide a health-based programme, teaching children about the wonders of their bodies and which substances are needed and not needed to live a healthy lifestyle. The programme is taken to schools in mobile classrooms full of state-of-the-art technology that catches the attention of children, ensuring high recall levels. Specially trained primary school teachers endeavour to make the programme come alive with a little help from the mascot, Harold the giraffe. Information about the Trust is available on their website.

The Fletcher Trust has made major contributions over several years to various branches of the Life Education Trust throughout New Zealand for projects ranging from sponsoring a mobile classroom in the Bay of Plenty and purchasing computers in the Auckland region.

“I continue to be impressed greatly by the dedication and commitment of all those who make up the Life Education family – trustees, educators, supporters, sponsors and friends. It is a great testament to our unique Kiwi ‘do it yourself’ attitude that Life Education enjoys the support and respect of the wider community,” says David Wale, Chairman of the Life Education Trust.

^  TOP

Living Values

The Independent Schools of New Zealand established the Living Values Trust in 1999, to provide values education in schools of all sectors – independent, integrated and state. The project provides practical guidelines, training and resources for New Zealand schools to incorporate values education as an essential and integrated part of school culture and all learning areas.

The Fletcher Trust recognises how difficult it can be to launch even the most worthwhile project, such as Living Values. The Trust therefore was one of the two primary supporters, along with the Ministry of Education, in the establishment of the Living Values project. The Living Values website provides more information about the project.

“Our young people are our treasure and our future. If they do not learn they are lost treasures. We owe it to all children to teach them about the values that will nurture them for happiness and success in life.” The Treasures of Life: Living Values – Nga Taonga o te Ora.

^  TOP

Youth Skills New Zealand

Youth Skills has regional committees around the country that co-ordinate competitions in 25 different trade-based skills. Regional winners continue on to the National Finals held in Auckland every second year. From those successful participants, a team is formed to compete in the World Skills Competition held every two years.

The Fletcher Trust has provided financial assistance to Youth Skills for a number of projects since 1992, including towards attendance at the World Skills Competition in Montreal in 1999 and funds to cover the costs associated with volunteers and competitors at SkillEX 2000, the national competition. SkillEX has a website that you can go to for more information.

“This event allows young people who attend see over 20 different skill being performed under the one roof. It’s a careers expo with a difference,” wrote Albie Lund, CEO of Youth Skills New Zealand, about SkillEX.

^  TOP

The Young Enterprise Scheme

The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) is an initiative of the Enterprise New Zealand Trust (ENZT), which is a highly successful enterprise that teaches practical and theoretical business skills in secondary schools. Participants learn by doing and accepting the challenge of running their own business and making their own decisions. You can find out more information about YES through the ENZT website.

The Fletcher Trust was a foundation sponsor of YES in 1991, and has provided significant support since then. It has proved to be one of the largest financial commitments by The Fletcher Trust as the programme fits well with the objective of assisting New Zealand’s youth to reach their full potential.

“The students that achieve most are prepared to make the decisions and to take responsibility for their actions. These are people who don’t expect the world to come to them but are prepared to take the initiative and enjoy the successes of their own endeavour.” Excerpt from YES newsletter.

^  TOP