Mate Tangitu (left), Wahanu Advocate and Marie Terei (Kaumatua Support) are members of Roopu Haurongo, (Breath of Life) a group that supports the whānau of at-risk youths in Whakatane region.
Te Roopu Haurongo receive referrals from the Police, Child Youth and Family and the local community of young people who are getting into trouble or facing difficulties and hardship.
Whanau advocates and kaumatua supporters walk alongside whānau and youth to work out a plan to help them reach their potentials.
Te Roopu Hauranga is one of the seven groups Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has made videos about to showcase examples of how different communities are practicing principles of Catholic social teaching in daily life.
The resource pack is being distributed to schools, parishes and media around the country this week.
“We are inspired by the examples across Aotearoa New Zealand, where members of our Catholic community put into practice our tradition of justice in their daily lives,” says Caritas Director Julianne Hickey.
“Our hope is that this focus during Social Justice Week will lead to a renewed understanding and commitment to the ways in which each of us can put Catholic social teaching into practice, in our homes, families and communities.”
This year, the New Zealand General Election falls on the last day of Social Justice Week.
It is hoped that the Social Justice Week materials will inspire Catholics and the wider community to consider what ethical principles underlie our response to economic and social issues in the lead-up to the election
Other groups included in the resource pack are:
- Hutt Valley Benefit Education Service Trust
- Cyclone Haiyan Philippines Emergency Response
- L’Arche Kapiti
- St Vincent de Paul Full Fill Van Rotorua
- Caritas Challenge – Marian College and Catholic Cathedral College
- Papatuanuku ki Taurangi – Earth Promise Centre
Source
Supplied by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand