Did you know that 1 in 3 teen females and 1 in 6 males experience sexual harm in their lives? That’s why the prevention work undertaken by the registered charity Empowerment Trust is so critical.
Set up over 30 years ago, Empowerment Trust is a nationwide organisation that’s part of Kidpower International. The Trust supports students and teachers by equipping them with skills and strategies to reduce harm and violence in the community. ‘We don’t tell people what to do, we get them to practice!’ declares General Manager Kathy Garrett.
Empowerment Trust’s interactive programme provides young people with strategies and skills to prevent violent situations from occurring in the first place or escalating out of control. Instead, participants learn how to build healthy relationships and navigate conflict without aggression.
‘Even though the issues we deal with are serious, our approach is dynamic and fun,’ reports Kathy. She adds that developing the skills of our tamariki and providing them with practical information and tools act as key drivers for change.
The programme explores the big issues affecting today’s teenagers, including healthy relationships, consent, online safety and communication. Kathy says that young people who have been through the programme know how to act safely and respectfully in relationships. ‘Instead of resorting to harmful aggression, we want teens to think about what is healthy, how can I communicate what I want, or do I need help?’ she advises.
Empowerment Trust has a long history of working with schools in The West. And thanks to the Your West Support Fund, even more young Westies can benefit. Funding of $20,000 from the latest round of the Your West Support Fund will assist the delivery of this fantastic programme in at least three local schools.
‘We hope to help at least 250 students in each school and train 5-10 teachers per school to continue the programme in the future,’ says Kathy. Equipping teachers with the tools and resources to continue after the programme has formally ended is crucial.
Empowerment Trust doesn’t just work with rangatahi. ‘We create safe learning experiences for anyone wanting to take effective action to avoid or stop bullying, abuse and violence,’ Kathy reports. Adults, parents and organisations can also benefit from Empowerment Trust’s resources, tools, webinars and community workshops.
Check out the website for more information.
