On Monday eight gap year students began their course with a powhiri at Challenge 2000 in Johnsonville, Wellington.
Challenge 2000 says the Gap Year programme helps prepare people for future employment, or tertiary study. All the participants will have an opportunity to develop all the elements that are required for a positive, successful and balanced life. They will be challenged to develop socially, spiritually, intellectually and physically.
This year the students come from schools all over New Zealand; Junior Selu Seumanufagai – St Patrick’s College, Wellington, Courtney Halliday – St Catherine’s College, Wellington, Jacob Bang – Kavanagh College, Dunedin, Hakaraia Jacobs – Hato Paora, Feilding, Anna Hoskins – Waiopehu College, Levin, Damien Don – St Patricks College, Wellington, Siata Apolo – St Catherine’s College, Wellington, Anya Hodge – Aquinas College, Tauranga.
Students will undertake NZQA youth work training, participate in work placements, be provided with a wide range of different experiences, and be given an opportunity to undertake local and international travel.
They will also have the chance get their drivers licence, first-aid certificate, and to undertake some technology training!
Challenge 2000 runs the Gap Year with support from the Society of Mary. This is the fourth year that the Gap Year has been running