Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and The West is no exception. And the charitable organisation Affirming Works uses basketball as a springboard for engaging Pasifika and Māori youth.
Established in 2001, Affirming Works is an Auckland-wide social enterprise organisation supporting the Pasifika community through various events, programmes and services.
Promoting and encouraging young people is a vital aspect of their work. ‘Through mentoring, education and sports, we help young people to fulfil their potential as tomorrow’s leaders,’ declares General Manager Percy Afeaki.
Elevate is a special programme to improve basketball participation and enjoyment among Pasifika and Māori youngsters aged 12 to 16.
‘The programme fosters social inclusion and personal growth,’ says Percy. He also says the benefits of involvement go far beyond improving dribbling and shooting skills on the court. ‘The programme creates lasting, positive impacts in young people’s personal and community lives,’ adds Percy.
Elevate operates throughout Auckland. However, its heartland out West is at Massey High School, where term-time weekly training sessions are held. Rangatahi get to hone their ball-handling skills with drills and shooting practice guided by expert coaches before competing at the Synergy Club League in New Lynn.
Percy says around 20-40 young people in The West participate in the Elevate programme every term, with six volunteer coaches offering encouragement and mentorship.
The Elevate programme is free for participants. ‘Most of the kids come from households where money is tight,’ says Percy. Without the programme, many would never have had the opportunity to try a slam dunk or develop the teamwork and social skills that playing brings.
Funding of $5,000 from the latest Your West Support Fund has helped ensure that even more young people can benefit from Elevate. The money has been spent on essential operating expenses, like venue hire. ‘Our coaches are volunteers, but we like to offer a koha as a thank you,’ Percy advises.
Elevate isn’t just about having fun. It also improves our young people’s emotional and physical wellbeing, ensuring they can contribute positively to their whanau and communities.
For more information, check out the Affirming Works website or follow the organisation on Facebook.
