Sir Edmund Hillary often described himself as a "plodder"... and there is no shortage of children like him in our schools today. No shortage of children doing "ok" and no shortage of children with untapped potential for excellence. Sir Ed's friend and climbing companion Graeme Dingle and lawyer Jo-anne Wilkinson believe these children need a little something special to set them on their journey toward personal excellence.

The Foundation for Youth Development, founded by Graeme and Jo-anne, is a leading organisation managing proven youth development programmes aimed to inspire school aged children to reach their full potential. Through the Foundation for Youth Development's current programmes Kiwi Can, Stars and Project K we help over 18,000 young people each year to be confident, healthy individuals who contribute positively to society.

Thank you Dame Pat

Myself, Jo-anne and everyone at FYD were saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Patricia Evison.

We all know of Dame Pat’s extraordinary career as an actor and across the entertainment industry, but she was also a great supporter of young people.

Dame Pat helped establish a scholarship – the Dame Pat Evison Scholarship – with the Graeme Dingle Foundation to assist graduates of FYD’s programmes pursue a career in the arts.

This assistance has helped Project K graduate, Jade Turrall (pictured above with Dame Pat, complete her Bachelor of Performing Arts at Toi Whakaari.

Dame Pat was a great lady, with a warm heart and a wonderful sense of humour, we will all miss her dearly.

Graeme Dingle
Co-Founder, FYD