Every day across the country, youth workers are building relationships that support our rangatahi to shine. Youth work in Aoteaora is largely invisible, but has a profound impact. A new report, launched today at Government House, has found that youth work creates $12.69 of social value for every $1 invested.
In her speech Dame Cindy remarked that “The current youth cohort – Generation Z – are the first true digital natives, with all the risk and reward that this inheritance brings. Gen Z’s grasp of technology and capacity to adapt to the rapidly-evolving online world can be baffling to older New Zealanders. Their day-to-day lives may also differ in many ways to earlier generations, but the fundamental human needs – to be seen, to belong, to feel valued – remain unchanged.”
This report created by Hands for Impact on behalf of Ara Taiohi, the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa, shows how youth work empowers young people to improve relationships, belonging, identity, wellbeing, safety, agency, participation, and future opportunities.
For more photos: Launch of youth sector impact report
To read Dame Cindy's speech: Launch of youth sector impact report