As part of programmed visits and a range of events, the young people joined a pilgrimage around Wellington's military sites and ended the day with Mass.

The pilgrimage was sponsored and organised by Challenge 2000, a youth development agency.

Firstly for youth and pilgrimage directors, the pilgrimage to remember them meant getting up very early to attend the traditional Dawn Service at the Cenotaph.

Later in the morning the pilgrimage weaved its way to the 11am service at Pukeahu; the national memorial, while interspersed throughout the day were visits to the Chunuk Bair stone at St Paul's Cathedral, the Ataturk Memorial, the gun emplacements around the entrance to Wellington harbour, and the Te Papa Anzac Exhibition.

The pilgrimage concluded with a Mass for Peace.

It was a very full day.

"Touching that stone from Chunuk Bair at St Paul's Cathedral made me feel part of me was there and now I can tell my mokopuna about Gallipoli and that many of our people rest there," commented Mihi Hough, 18, on what made a significant impact on him.

The day was not just for young people and, reflecting on her experience of the Mass, parishioner Margaret Dunne, said "the young people bring us the hope of peace."

Dunne, like many in New Zealand, personally knows the grief of war.

Describing it as a happy-sad event, she said her great uncle was buried at Passchendaele and, fortunately, her father returned.

In the course of the liturgy, Dunne says she was particularly taken by the use of ‘Kohima's epitaph:' "When you go home, speak to them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today."

The epitaph was composed by Cambridge classicist turned wartime codebreaker, John Edmonds, at the end of the First World War.

Petonio Foaese is honoured to lay a wreath at the ANZAC Day memorial service.

Kitty McKinley, Founder and Project Manager of Challenge 2000, says that she is proud of the way that young people, past and present, are prepared to learn about and understand what the ANZAC spirit is and try in their many fields of endeavour to live the values of service, sacrifice, love, justice and peace.

McKinley said that her father, who served in WWII in Egypt and Italy, never spoke of the war.

"What he did though was pass on his desire for a better world, his dislike of war and violence and his emphasis on each person doing their bit for a peace-filled and fair country and world," she said.

"We will remember them by the way we live our lives today," reflects McKinley.

As a Youth Development Agency, Challenge 2000 encourages young people to understand the past and to contribute to a better Aotearoa and world by adopting and living the values of service, sacrifice, love, justice and peace.

"As Indigenous people we need to take back and understand what time looks like for us. How do we observe the seasons, how do we observe the land, our ocean, and our sky, and from there, how do we create solutions?" asks Mina Pomare Peita, Principal, Te Kura Taumata o Panguru in the preface to Caritas's submission.

Pope Francis's tacit support for the Bill is evident in his 2015 exhortation Laudato Si':

"There is a need to respect the rights of peoples and cultures … Nor can the notion of the quality of life be imposed from without, for quality of life must be understood within the world of symbols and customs proper to each human group."

All three submissions acknowledge the Matariki festival, its significance to Maori and the Catholic Church in New Zealand's obligation to protect Maori culture.

Matariki is a significant time within the Maori calendar, to acknowledge the past, present and future in a non-linear way, Challenge's submission explains.

We must protect this tradition, as was promised at the Treaty of Waitangi.

Catholics have inherited a "measure of responsibility" for the verbal assurance about protecting all faiths given to Bishop Pompallier at Waitangi in 1840, the Commission confirms.

That assurance specifically included a promise to protect ritenga Maori (Maori customary rituals).

"We acknowledge and regret that assurance was not always upheld as it should have been, and that Maori religious perspectives and practices have not always been respected.

"Our country and communities are strengthened by recognising and celebrating the diverse cultural and religious traditions of all the people who live here, beginning with tangata whenua," the Commission says.

It also confirmed it supports the Statement on Religious Diversity the Catholic bishops endorsed last year - that New Zealand's educational institutions, work environments and public services recognise and accommodate diverse religious beliefs and practices.

Celebrating Matariki is a natural extension of that principle.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand explains the festival is still an important aspect of Te Ao Maori.

"It's a chance to connect with culture and whanau, an opportunity for all to learn about Matariki and relearn the Maramataka cycle (lunar month) calendar to support wellbeing."

The Commission says local knowledge of the Maramataka cycle and place was disrupted when it was overtaken by a single calendar developed far from here for different seasons, weather patterns and cultures. It would welcome the revitalisation of traditional Maori understandings of time.

The submissions particularly asked parliament to ensure (if the Matariki Public Holiday Bill becomes law) that it will "provide greater opportunity and participation for collective rest and restoration, and protect vulnerable workers."

Matariki signals the Maori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

The festival is unique to this country and celebrating it can enable all New Zealanders to reconnect with each other and the land, the submissions say.

Source

• Archdiocese of Wellington Ecology, Justice and Peace Commission
• Challenge 2000
• Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
• Image: Matariki - Wikipedia

Their submissions challenge the Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice Demerit Points) Amendment Bill's proposal that a system of demerit points be assigned by police to young offenders.

This system would enable police to make demerit point decisions without a judge's oversight, without input from whanau, victims, social workers, or other groups in the community.

The Bill is currently at the Select Committee stage.

All three submissions are concerned that the Bill appears fundamentally in conflict with the key principles outlined in Section 5 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

"This bill is based on a failed understanding of the New Zealand Youth Justice system, the causes of youth crime and how to reduce youth crime," says Challenge.

The three submissions agree that if the youth justice bill were to become law it would:

• Reduce the effectiveness and the New Zealand Youth Justice system by undermining the Family Group Conference system (FGC).

The decision to prosecute a young person is reduced to a process that uses an untrained police officer's assessment of the severity of the crime and of the circumstances of the offending, using an untested score system, Challenge warns.

• Undermine the key principles outlined in Section 5, and section 208, of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

It is inconsistent with the right of a child to be treated in a manner taking account of their age, the right to natural justice and the right to freedom from discrimination, comments Attorney General David Parker.

In his view these limitations on the young person's rights cannot be justified under section 5 of the Bill of Rights Act.

The submissions also agree the Bill would also:

• Reduce the Justice system's ability to eradicate acknowledged systemic racism.

Recent reports show racism and/or unconscious bias leads to poorer outcomes for Maori and Pasifika within the Justice system. A greater proportion of Maori being charged and facing harsher penalties than non-Maori, Challenge notes.

"This bill grants Police unbridled discretion to allocate demerit points. How can this process address issues of racism and/or unconscious bias that are already acknowledged?" Challenge asks.

The submissions also say the Bill will:

• Fail to provide Natural justice and the right to legal advice and support.
• Increase re-offending rates by introducing measures and interventions that an evidence based approach demonstrates will increase recidivism.
• Exclude a restorative option for some victims.

The bill reduces "all the complex situations of young offenders to a simple numbering system which takes into account only a police officer's assessment of the severity of the crime and of the offending," the Archdiocese says.

The Archdiocese was also critical of the Bill's timing while investigations are underway into Oranga Tamariki's failure to adequately partner with, consult and involve Maori in decisions about care and protection of young people.

The Waitangi Tribunal, Office for the Commissioner for Children, Whanau Ora commissioning agency and the Ombudsman are all following up these investigations.

Source

• Archdiocese of Wellington
• The Attorney General
• Challenge 2000
• Image: Stuff

"Society needs more bridges that bring together the different sectors of the community, and that's what we do", she explained.

Welcomed to Challenge 2000 with a mihi whakatu by staff, volunteers and young people last Thursday, Simon Bridges spent the day in the Ohariu electorate with local National MP Brett Hudson, and joined Challenge 2000 for a cup of tea, biscuit and a chat.

Bridges already knew of Challenge 2000 and its success, but was keen to learn more about this community and social agency which has operated for 30 years.

McKinley was quick to point out that key to Challenge's ongoing success is the creation of a positive loving community where people can aspire to and believe that they can achieve.

"Long-term structural inequality and injustice is not helped when serious social issues are treated as political footballs", she told the aspiring PM.

Acknowledging that serious social problems weren't solved over-night, McKinley proffered that society needs a system that endured longer than a single parliamentary term, a mechanism which is accountable for achievements, is responsible and learns from its failures.

She highlighted how difficult it is trying to work with the obstacles, which she called ‘silos', created by various government departments not working together.

Focussing briefly on last year's "cluster" of suicides in Porirua, McKinley also mentioned she thought the country needs to do more to help our young, and the most vulnerable need to be identified and helped.

She says she is proud that Challenge continues to be such a help to society's neglected people.

"Challenge certainly punches well above its weight", Brett Hudson added.

Challenge 2000 Director, Steve O'Connor agrees. Working in schools, the community, and the youth justice system, "we do more than we are funded for because that is part of our ethic; we just try to make it work," he says.

Highlighting the success of Challenge's four youth houses, O'Connor says these community houses are based on family and family values.

"There's a saying ‘love works'. And it does", he says.

Bridges agreed, commenting that having a family foundation, where people know they are loved gives people a massive advantage in life.

Responding to the question how Challenge makes it happen, Business Manager John Robinson (pictured) said Challenge enjoys an enormous amount of community support.

"Everything Challenge has is either donated or given to us. We remain very grateful" he said.

Bridges and Hudson said their farewells on the front steps of Challenge, where two years ago the then Prime Minister Bill English officially opened Challenge's newly donated premises.

A chat over morning tea became an hour-long visit.

Challenge 2000 is a youth development, community and family social work agency. It works mainly throughout the Wellington region.

Five Porirua youths have died of suspected suicide since February and hundreds of people have turned up to several community meetings, voicing their concerns and looking for solutions that can better support young people.

The "cluster suicides" are having a significant impact on the mental health of the rangatahi (younger generation), says Steve O'Connor, Director of Challenge 2000.

"We are working with the Colleges, community members and whanau to promote positive engagement, offering services and support systems," he said.

"Our team is committed to ensuring the rangatahi of Porirua can grow and achieve their potential and contribute positively to their community."

Acknowledging the one-off support offered by Government Agency Oranga Tamariki to provide additional youth programmes, O'Connor said the funding enabled Challenge to initiate and develop a long-term response plan to research the strengths and challenges of the Porirua area.

O'Connor says Challenge identified the holidays as times of high risk for youth and he is grateful to the Capital Coast District Health Board for providing two additional workers to assist with assessments and support of those at risk.

The holiday programmes were well attended and "gave the young people an opportunity to reach out to our team and talk about where they were at and what they needed," he said.

He says Challenge's research will identify existing services and their capacity, any critical gaps and inform our recommendations for the future of Porirua.

With strong ties to the Porirua community dating back to 1988, Challenge has social workers and youth workers in four Porirua Colleges.

Where to get help:

Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who might be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
• Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7)
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
• What's Up: online chat (7pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 children's helpline (1pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-10pm weekends)
• Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
• Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
• Healthline: 0800 611 116
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• If it is an emergency and you feel you or someone else is at risk, call 111

Source

• sm.org.nz
• challenge2000.org.nz
• Image: sm.org.nz

As a mark of the country's concern, all parties in Parliament supported the introduction of Jan Logie's Domestic Violence Victims' Protection Bill.

Last week the Government parties passed her private member's Bill into law.

The new law gives victims of family violence up to ten days leave off work to deal with the consequences of violence at home.

In "God's own" country the law raises questions like,

• Why do men use violence against the person they most love in their lives?
• Why do women endure the violence sometime for many years?
• What are the effects on children where violence in the home is normalised?

The most difficult question of all is - How do we stop family violence?

As a Youth Development Agency Challenge 2000 has over 100 years of combined experience dealing with the damaging and destructive effects of family violence.

We have seen it all and it is not getting any better.

Research suggests that only 20% of domestic violence is officially reported, 80% is hidden in our community.

The same research suggests domestic violence stretches all over our country, irrespective of their culture, religion or socio-economic status.

No sector is without it.

The reported facts make for very sobering reading:

• Each year, Police are called to around 200,000 incidents of domestic violence
• Domestic violence amounts to 41% of Police work
• There are over 2,000 reported sexual victimisations against a child 16 and under every year
• Women apply for over 5,000 family violence protection orders every year
• There are 5,000 arrests of men (sometimes the same man several times) for breach of those orders every year
• Police arrest 6,000 men for "male assaults female"
• Women's refuges get 73,000 crisis calls a year; 2,500 women and children stay in safe houses
• 1 in 3, nearly 35% of women, who have ever been in a relationship, report sexual or physical violence, and when psychological or emotional abuse is factored in, this figure increases to 55%
• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men report having been sexually abused as a child.
• Challenge 2000 data suggests that 1in 5 men have been sexually abused as a child
• 20% of females and 10% of males report have had unwanted sexual contact in the last 12 months
• Between 2009 and 2015 there were 92 deaths of women from family violence, 98% of these women had a history of ongoing violence and abuse
• In that same time, there were a total of 183 domestic violence deaths
  Of these 54 of the remaining victims were children and the rest other family members.

This is the very sobering reality of domestic violence in our nation, and while a complex issue facing our communities, it doesn't have to be this way.

Despite these ugly facts and the destructive consequences of family violence, there is hope.

At Challenge 2000 we think there are four steps we can all take to change these statistics and rebuild our country.

Embrace non-violence

It is never acceptable to physically abuse, sexually abuse, intimidate, harass, threaten or hurt a person, or psychologically or emotionally abuse, or damage the property of anyone.

Never allow a child or young person to see or hear any of these behaviours.

Show respect

Respect and love yourself, each family or whanau member and your neighbours and friends.

Speak and act with love. Use supportive language and if frustrated or angry walk away.

Never touch another person in anger and without respect for their dignity.

Be Family aware

Be aware of what is going on in your families.

Speak out and seek support if you get that gut feeling that all is not well with family members or you, yourself, are not behaving in a loving, positive way.

Get involved in the community

Domestic violence is a community issue, yet we often think it is none of our business.

At Challenge 2000 we suggest each of us do our bit to make a difference in our communities, and gets involved in supporting others; it is your business as a member of the community.

Please act if you are concerned.

Suspect family violence?

If worse comes to worst and if you suspect domestic violence we suggest two responses.

If there is immediate danger: Contact the police on 111.

Or if you are concerned about children not in immediate risk: Contact Oranga Tamariki on 050832459.

• Steve O'Connor QSM is the Director of Youth Development Agency Challenge 2000. He has spent over twenty years as a front line police officer in Wellington and spent many years as a youth aid officer. For a period of two years, every family violence death in NZ came across his desk. Steve has worked at a national level to improve police response to family violence in the hope of saving more lives and making a difference to victims.

But, they can change.

He made the comments when opening Marist Challenge House in Johnsonville, Wellington.

"The challenge of changing things in government, in agencies and the economy is relatively easy when compared to the challenges some of our young people face.

"Young people, 14, 15, 16, lead difficult complex lives, and yet they find it within themselves to overcome the most difficult and sometimes toxic mixes of disadvantage", he said.

English acknowledged that historically, Government has not done that good a job in dealing with the most complex of families and vulnerable people.

"It is difficult for large bureaucracies with billions of dollars to understand how to connect with a person, a family, and most particularly how to do it on their terms", he said.

Challenge 2000 changes lives

"Working with young people is more than providing a service to someone", the Prime Minister said.

Emphasising that a quality relationship is important when helping young people change their lives, English identified the relationship needed to be one of trust, one that's reliable, and a relationship that can withstand the test if things go wrong.

Enthused by the work of this youth development, community and Family agency, the Prime Minister was very pleased to join with Challenge 2000 and its extended family and supporters.

He told the 400 strong crowd that what makes Challenge so effective is "that at its core Challenge has a deep respect for the integrity of every person, no matter what they've done, no matter who they are, no matter where they've started.

"There's a whole lot of things happen here in this place with these people and their values which you cannot get from a Government.

"It (Government) can support it, it can enable it, but it can't replace it".

The Prime Minister said he is constantly inspired by the challenges he sees young people face and how they rise to meet them.

He noted enthusiastically that Challenge 2000 works; it actually changes lives.

English commented he was pleased to see Challenge 2000 working with the new agency for vulnerable children, Oranga Tamariki, where we have collectively acknowledged, that a significant number of those children who most need care, have not historically had the best of it.

Marist Challenge House shows respect

The Prime Minister also congratulated the Society of Mary (Marist) for purchasing the building on behalf of Challenge, saying that the building shows respect to young people.

Commenting on the new premises he said, "Often when we look at the services which work with our most vulnerable they don't show respect, they don't look like places where we think we are putting people who are valued. And that's what's changing here."

Addressing the gathering, leader of the Society of Mary (Marists), Fr David Kennerley, noted that if people only see Marist priests and brothers in church, they will think that being in church is all that a "Marist" is about; is all that Marists do.

Kennerley emphasised that Marist as a name has to mean something and Jesus Gospel manifesto of proclaiming 'freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind and setting free the oppressed' is not an optional extra but is intrinsic all all Christians.

Echoing the Prime Minister, Kennerley said the underlying ethos of Marist Challenge House is people.

He described the Marist Challenge House as a visible sign of what the Marist name means.

Local leaders lend support

Long time supporter of Challenge 2000, Ohariu MP and Minister of Internal Affairs, Peter Dunne described Challenge 2000 as the preeminent youth development agency.

He congratulated Challenge 2000 on what it has become and for its place in helping make young people confident, bold, and looking positively towards the future.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester also acknowledged the commitment of Challenge 2000 to the capital city.

"Challenge 2000 through their values of social justice, of the notion of love works, that if we put a tender arm around our young people, support them, celebrate them, we get them on the right path", he said.

Earlier, the Cardinal John Dew asked God's blessing on the Marist Challenge House, praying for all those who come looking for support and encouragement in their lives.

He gave thanks for the work of Challenge 2000 as it stands up for others, teaches, encourages and supports vulnerable youth and families. He prayed that Challenge 2000 would always be a light in the darkness.

• Photos from Marist Challenge House opening

Kennerley said, ‘As part of our ongoing support of Challenge 2000 and commitment to working with youth, the Society of Mary has purchased the old Brigidine convent at 1 Wanaka St, Johnsonville, Wellington. This centre will provide a base from which Challenge 2000 can continue to offer a wide range of services and also develop other ministries, including an alternative education college and youth development and youth ministry programmes'.

Sr Anne Phibbs along with other Brigidine Sisters who previously lived at the convent said they are delighted their old home will be used by Challenge 2000.

‘After the Sisters left, two more owners made vast improvements to the building and it is very pleasing the ‘old Convent' should come back to life within the Church and in such good condition.'

"We congratulate the Society of Mary on their generosity and their concern for our young people; and we wish Challenge 2000 every blessing on their work and their time in the ‘old Convent'. May you all be richly blessed by God - and by St Brigid!"

The Archbishop of Wellington Cardinal John Dew said, "This is great news for Challenge 2000 and is a significant move and moment in your history. It will enable you to do a lot more of the wonderful work you do, serving young people and their families."

"The staff, volunteers, Board and Challenge whanau are absolutely delighted about the Society of Mary's purchase of a base for Challenge 2000", said Steve O'Connor.

"For us, it is a dream come true and something we have been hoping and praying for. It will enable us to work more effectively and better serve our young people and families."

"It is an excellent example of a collaborative gospel partnership in action. We look forward to the official opening and shift mid-year and thank the Society of Mary for this huge commitment."

Source

• wn.catholic.org.nz
• Image: wn.catholic.org.nz

Challenge staff discussed with English the services they provide to youth and how they could help if the age at which people are referred to the adult court was raised to 18.

The founder of Challenge 2000, Kitty McKinley said putting 17-year-olds through the adult courts and into prison was like putting them into a "training school on how to be a better criminal".

"We know what works; we have seen the damaging effects of 17-year-olds going through the adult court system."

The director of Challenge, Steve O'Connor said English was there to listen...and he did that.

O'Connor said it was a great opportunity to share their views and have a good general discussion.

"I think people don't understand the reality of the youth justice system and that leads to knee-jerk reactions."

English said he learned a lot from the visit, and also heard a number of issues that had been raised before. "It shows the kind of expert range of support [in New Zealand] for young people."

Though English was non committal about his personal view of raising the youth justice age to 18, he said it was something the Government would continue to discuss.

Source

• issuu.com
• Image: issuu.com

The nine students and their friends and whanau gathered in the chapel of St Pat's College Wellington, to celebrate with a liturgy and presentation.

The students began with a waiata and then a skit - in which they very effectively portrayed one Kitty McKinley, the Gap Year coordinator, before the nine of them each presented a speech.

Their speeches were heartfelt and emotional, but also eloquent and insightful.

They spoke of their significant experiences, on placement and retreat, and the inner journey by which they have come to believe more deeply, not only in God, but also in themselves and the world around them. This was moving and inspiring to watch.

The photgraph above:
Back row from left to right: Lio Soane, Michael Start, Jesse Gerrard, Jared Tofaeono
Front row from left to right: Dylan Lynch, Piki Boyles, Sarah Atkinson, Nora Condra, Keeley Grevatt

Director of Challenge 2000, Steve O'Connor, responded with a vote of confidence and thanks, reflecting on Challenge's goal to help love and support young people into their best selves, and the fact that these gap graduates were testimony to the significance and success of this work.

Tim Duckworth then spoke on behalf of the Marists, accepting the thanks of the students, and celebrating a formation programme that, often unlike mainstream education, teaches young people that they - and not only the arbitrary 5% - can be effective and fulfilled, successful and happy.

This was much to reflect on, but also much to celebrate, and so the graduates and their community happily concluded the liturgy with presentation of certificates and a closing waiata. The celebrations then continued over a meal, with plenty of food and stories to share.

The Gap Year a one year programme that involves holistic formation, NZQA youth work training, work placements, experiences, and local and possibly international travel.

The Gap Year offers the chance to develop the social, spiritual, intellectual, employment, well-being and physical elements that are required for a positive, successful and balanced life.

Participants can also access the extras that will help on their life journey: driver's licence, first aid certificate technology training. They even get paid.

Already 63 young people from New Zealand and overseas have accepted have graduated from the programme.

Source

• Supplied
• challenge2000.org.
• Image: Supplied

McKinley is the founder of Challenge 2000, a youth development organisation based in Johnsonville, Wellington.

On ANZAC weekend Challenge staff, volunteers, gap students and locals produced moving performances that recognised and remembered those who gave their lives and fought for their country.

To commemorate this year's centenary of the battle at Gallipoli the group re-enacted the bravery, courage and heroism of soldiers, nurses, Maori and Pakeha men and women.

"We've performed dramas in our local area before but this year more parishes were involved," said McKinley.

There were so many young people who wanted to take part this year they presented their drama at Johnsonville, Masterton, Eastbourne, Newtown and the Cathedral.

"Some young people attended all 5 Masses," McKinley said.

"Our vocation, service and sacrifice-themed production moved young and old."

"It was also wonderful to be joined by military people currently serving."

In Auckland to mark ANZAC day there was a memorial concert in St Benedict's Church in Newton.

It featured well-known composer/singer and Catholic priest, Father Chris Skinner, as well as musicians from three Auckland Catholic schools, St Mary's and St Peter's Colleges and St Francis School.

Source

• Catholic Diocese of Auckland

The event was attended by the Gap year students' families and friends as well as representatives and friends of Challenge 2000 and the Society of Mary.

Each of the graduates had an opportunity to speak honestly about their experience of the Gap Year, its highs and lows.

A number of them talked about how a group had gone from being a bunch of strangers to a community of friends.

They were grateful for the opportunity to be challenged to move out of their comfort zones, to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

The experience enabled them to discover skills and strengths they did not know they had.

One of the leaders of the Gap Year programme, Kitty McKinley, said she hoped that the Gap year had provided its participants with a positive experience of the Catholic Church meeting the needs of a new generation.

The other Gap year programme leader, Heath Hutton, was farewelled.

After a number of years with the programme he will be moving on to new challenges in 2015.

For the last five years The Society of Mary has assisted Challenge 2000, to provide eight young people with the opportunity to take part in a Gap Year programme.

Ideally participants have just completed Year 13 and wish to gain real life experience before choosing their future careers. The programme is also suitable for a young person who wants to take "time out" from University or work.

Source

Supplied

The Wellington wind had fled; stillness paired with the embers crackling, huddled closer, marshmallows devoured in flame as stories swept us elsewhere and nothing mattered anymore save each other, the flame and the specks of light above.

The weekend meant laughter, wired smiles as morning broke and caffeine rushes; all for a good cause.

Beneath those same stars, rain was falling somewhere far away.

The water was rising, while we slept in cardboard shelters through a cloudless night.

Houses of living memories had been suddenly swallowed by the swollen rivers while we set out to make this weekend as memorable and life-changing as possible.

A day of difference for a lifetime of change.

Solidarity amidst reckless forces

What is solidarity in the face of such reckless forces and what is awareness going to change?

Us.

Though we feel so small, we must begin somewhere to pave the way for a lifetime of change.

We had gathered together to join with 6000 other young people across New Zealand who were also standing in solidarity with the people of Solomon Islands, as part of the inaugural Caritas Challenge, from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.

A chance to find out more about the reality of people's lives around the world, to stand alongside them, and raise some money to support people who need it.

Throughout the 24 hours, we reflected on the cost of apathy and what it means to live justly.

Open eyes

During our discussions, one person stated that it is easy to ignore the need if you can't see it, and this simple truth reverberated throughout the room.

What does it mean to open our eyes to the need in Solomon Islands, within Aotearoa New Zealand, our communities, our families, and within ourselves?

What are the costs of ignorance and the costs of choosing to be aware?

I woke shivering; during the night I had kicked my blanket off and in a sleep-induced state, lacked the initiative to pull it back up.

For the rest of the night I rolled into a ball with hands buried deep in my pockets, wishing I had brought something warmer.

But even then I knew that a bed awaited me back home, food would be stacked neatly in the pantry and friends would enquire politely on how I slept and I'd describe the experience as "eye-opening."

But one of these days, we have to begin somewhere.

Huddled around the smoking ashes of yesterday, we knew what we had to do and began.

A day of difference for a lifetime of change.

Jacob Bang is studying English Literature with History at Victoria University. Last year he was on the Marist-Challenge 2000 gap year programme.

Source: CathNews NZ Pacific

Image: Stephen Davies/Caritas Aotearoa NZ

Parents, friends and former gap-year students listen as each of the 8 "Gappies" described the challenges they had faced and related the lessons learned in the course of the year.

They spoke enthusiastically especially about the placements they had been given which had provided an the opportunity to goes places they had never been before and to meet people from different ethnic groups, work with children, teenagers and people with disabilities.

Near the end of the course each person was given a month-long placement, working away from their familiar surroundings, in Okaihau, Auckland, Dunedin, Mexico and Samoa.

The gap-year is a one year programme that involves holistic formation, NZQA youth work training, work placements, experiences, and local and international travel. The Gap Year offers the chance to develop the social, spiritual, intellectual, employment, well-being and physical elements that are required for a positive, successful and balanced life.

• Challenge 2000 Website
• Challenge 2000 Facebook

This year the ‘Gappies' went to a variety of placements around New Zealand and overseas. They were sent to the far north of Aotearoa New Zealand to the Hokianga, down to the far south of Dunedin, Hawke's Bay and to Samoa and Mexico.

The Gap students all left the familiar and ventured into the unknown. All of them experienced different cultures and languages, and different ways of living. The placements included assisting at primary and secondary schools, disability services, rest homes, religious communities, and other community agencies. These placements presented opportunities for developing new skills and learning new things, meeting new people, experiencing different charisms which exist in our faith communities, utilising their own talents and finding out more about themselves.

During the students' presentations about their pastoral placements each of them reflected on the impact that their placements have had on each of their lives, and how it helped them to develop mentally, emotionally, spiritually and holistically. They spoke of the difficulties of being somewhere new and foreign, the insights they gained, the enjoyment of new challenges, and most importantly the people they met. It was very moving for those who listened to hear of the significant and profound impact these experiences had on the Gap students and their futures.

More photos

The following is a reflection written by Jacob Bang who went to Mexico for his pastoral placement:

"I saw towering church spires, colours that terrify the darkness, a woman with skyward eyes on the brink of tears, a man rolled up in a blanket, eyes closed as we took photos of the reality we knew and loved.

Loved to touch; our fingertips rejoiced as they pressed against cool polished marble altars, loved to taste; our tongues relished what many believe to be the essence of culture, loved to hear; our ears drinking in the clamours din of those making a living; sound without words, face without name, muted pain and music to my ears.

I rummaged through my bag, rustling scrunched up balls of paper, tickets and chip packets, clinking coins as I pulled out my camera. Click. Flash.

And reality was captured; a picturesque scene of masterful masonry, bustling crowds of locals, the sun beaming at the memory of Mary overgrown and the new reality of things. Defiantly lying down, submissively, on the concrete pavement an old man, old reality protested in dismay as this blotch of ink ruined the candid image, even great angels paled at the sight of him.

Disillusionment spread like fire. How do I bear witness without sounding cliché, without being the sound of a broken record? It isn't about stories to share to family and friends back home nor about eyes opened. It's far simpler than that, far more profound than purpose found.

It is how it's always been, how it is, is it how it will always be?

A man with a life I'll never know or could ever comprehend. My words could never do him justice."

Perhaps you know someone who might want to have an opportunity of a lifetime? Then refer them to the Marist Challenge Gap Year.

Gap Year, is a year long programme that involves holistic formation, NZQA youth work training, work placements, experiences, and local and international travel.

The Gap Year offers the chance to develop the social, spiritual, intellectual, employment, well-being and physical elements that are required for a positive, successful and balanced life.

You can also gain some extras to get you ready including your drivers license, first-aid certificate, and technology trainingApplications are open until the end of November for the 2014 Gap Year.

For more information visit Challenge 2000's website at www.challenge2000.org.nz

Source

• Supplied by Challenge 2000
• Image: Challenge 2000

"At a time where the world is struggling with many issues it is heartening to hear of the example of service that Pope Francis has led in his life. I hope that he can translate his experiences of working with the poor and vulnerable in our society into change in our Church. The time is now for an examination of how we live, how our actions affects the lives of those around us, and how we can all contribute to a world where the common good is the supreme good. I look forward to Pope Francis leading the way" said Heath Hutton.

Heath's colleague at Challenge 2000, Anh-Dao Pham says "There is no denying that a lot of young people feel alienated from our Church. It can often feel like the Church is not addressing the real issues that face us and it was becoming more and more irrelevant. It is exciting and encouraging to see such a real person who has lived a real life at grass roots level now leading our Church. Lets hope we soon see a positive impact - our world needs the gospel."

Bridget Roche Director of Challenge 2000 is also hopeful.

"From what I understand Pope Francis has shown a lived commitment to social justice and the common good and therefore his election gives me great hope for a refreshed vision for this in the Church and as a consequence into the world".

"Many of the young people, children and families we work with live and suffer in poverty and are treated unjustly -we need to address the causes and rebuild our structures so that all have enough - this is what St Francis of Assisi was about - it will be inspirational if Pope Francis brings this attitude to the Catholic Church internationally," she said.

Challenge 2000, a youth development agency based in Johnsonville, Wellington New Zealand, is committed to social justice, social responsibility and the rights of all

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

The participants are all people who have recently left College and are about to take their next step - work, study, or university. This year they came from from Auckland, New Plymouth, Waipukurau, Wainuiomata and Wellington.

At the graduation the gap year students had an opportunity to say what they had learned from their experience. Several spoke of about how their horizons had been expanded and how they had successfully met the challenge to achieve things that they had previously thought were beyond them.

As well as being placed with a variety of social agencies where they work for three days a week, the gap year participants helped run retreats and formation programmes for secondary and primary school aged people.

Two days each week were spent on education and formation programmes consisting of six elements: work, social, personal, spiritual, intellectual and physical. The methodology and teaching format included formal presentations, group work, "hands-on" work, reflection of experiences, guest speakers, NZQA study papers and individual projects.

In September participants were given a special placement designed to push their limits a little more. Some went to the Philippines and Vanuatu. Others participated in the Army's Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) scheme and worked with L'Arche.

The Gap year is run by Challenge 2000 with support from the Society of Mary. It is a full time project that involves NZQA training, work experience and placement in a community agency that supports participants' career aspirations and future realities. During the Gap Year participants build up each of the elements required for a balanced life: Work, Social, Personal, Spiritual, Intellectual and Physical dimensions.

However, while there were many shared values, goals and experiences uniting conference participants, their diversity was also highlighted and their thoughts, work methods and beliefs challenged by the thought-provoking and wide range of speakers and workshops.

In his opening address Bishop Peter Cullinane of Palmerston North said ministry to and with young people involves giving and receiving. He compared this to "receptive ecumenism". "In the past, Churches brought to each other an explanation of the things that were important to them. They ‘put out their best china'. In receptive ecumenism they show instead their dirty hands - they ask each other for help with problems they have not successfully resolved. They receive from one another," he said.

"Throughout the interview process he was very clear that Silverstream must be a "Gospel-based school." Gospel teaching are his guiding principles and will underpin the ongoing development of the college under his leadership."

For the last five years Mr Tully has been involved in the Marist Education Project. This project, established by the Society of Mary, promotes the Marist educational ethos to al its staff, students, parents and even the board. The project also includes the well sought after Marist Youth Leader programme, which Mr Tully has been involved in leading.

Prior to being named rector of St Patrick's Silverstream, Mr Tully taught Mathematics at St Patrick's College Wellington, Wellington College and Naenae College.

He was deputy principal at Porirua College, Principal of the Challenge 2000 College, a school for troubled youth.

When rector at St Patrick's College Wellington the college enjoyed considerable success in lifting its academic, sporting and cultural performances.

Gerard Tully is married with three children, is a keen sportsman and enjoys the Theatre. An old boy of Silverstream, the College hopes he will be able to join them towards the end of the third term.

The announcement was made jointly by Denis Boyle, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Brian McGuinness, Chairperson of the Board of Proprietors.

Sources

• Society of Mary NZ