This isn’t the first time we have heard from ZEAL and as always, it’s inspiring to hear young people providing unconditional support to young people in need.
Presenters: Tavā Malolua; Nehemiah Savea and Tahlia Loughlin.
Zeal started in 1998 as a faith-based entity providing a safe space for young people to meet. The numbers grew to the point where the enterprise wasn’t sustainable. It was re-established in its current form in response to a tragedy involving a young person on the streets of Wellington.
ZEAL’s mission is to make transformative spaces and experience’s accessible to all young people aged between 13 and 18, supporting rangatahi to connect to their mana, innate self-worth and sense of belonging. They want to see all young people in Aotearoa living full lives of meaning and purpose. They measure the impact of their mahi by how rangatahi (young people) feel seen, feel valued, safe, empowered and have an equitable shot to thrive.
The organisation has grown to include centres in Wellington; West Auckland; Hamilton; New Plymouth and Kapiti. They also include Zeal Digital and Stories Café on Cuba.
Their delivery is through a number of programmes to build skills, to build resilience and work readiness or for healing. Their creative programmes help realise their young people’s potential in, for example, photography – enabling self-expression through the lens of the camera and the power of words through writing songs. A flagship programme is their leadership ‘Decision-makers’ programme – preparing their young people to be leaders of tomorrow.
Zeal is currently funded by Wellington City Council, the Ministry of Youth Development and a number of Trusts and individuals.
Our presenters shared their passion for their mahi and the young people they serve. This isn’t the first time we have heard from ZEAL and as always, it’s inspiring to hear young people providing unconditional support to young people.
See their website for the stats on their impact – and how you could contribute if you wish to do so. https://zeal.nz