FYD > About Us > Our People > Youth Advisory Group: FYD Directionz

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

FYD Youth Advisory Group: FYD Directionz

FYD Directionz was established in 2008 in response to FYD’s commitment to strengthen youth participation within the organisation.

A group of12 young people representing seven different cultures, nine differing schools, three differing FYD programmes and three Auckland regions were selected to form the FYD Youth Advisory Group, named FYD Directionz by members.

FYD Directionz meets monthly to identify and work on projects that will make the biggest difference for young people taking part in FYD activities.

Directionz members are planning an art exhibition that will invite students to submit art which illustrates young people living their dreams. Winning entries will be exhibited at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre from 30 November till 2 December 2009.

Please click here for more information about the art competition and exhibition >>

FYD Directionz Members:

Camilla Godinet (Project K Graduate) I am Samoan and I am a year 12 student at Aorere College. I love sports and listening to music, Bebo, shopping, talking and a lot stuff other teenagers like doing. I really wanted to join Directionz because I really wanted to help young people, and wanted to be a role model for youth in my community. We have gone on lots of trips and learned lots of new skills such as planning and time-management. I wasn’t that confident about speaking to people, but taking part in Directionz activities has increased my confidence. I loved getting to know new people and just hanging out with Directionz members. Edward Davidson (Stars Peer Mentor) I go to ASDAH, I’m 18 and in year 13 which I’m finding to be pretty awesome, although the end of it all is approaching way too fast. Physics is without a doubt my favourite subject, probably due to the fact that we do a lot of talking, a little bit of it even on topic. I’ve always had a massive passion for cars, for me it doesn’t get much better than a nice tyre-smoking V8 in an old Dodge. I love music, pretty much any kind; my music folder gets laughed at a lot with its diversity. I’m a Seventh-day Adventist and go to Papatoetoe Church; we have a really cool group of young people there, along with a really talented band. I’ve been both a participant and a mentor in Stars so I thought joining Directionz would be an incredible opportunity to continue to be involved, although I had no idea we would achieve what we have. I’ve really enjoyed the experience so far, and look forward to seeing what else our team can do. James Witchman (Kiwi Can Student) I live in Mangere, South Auckland, I go to Robertson Road school and I am a year 8 student. I joined Directionz because it was a new way to make friends and get outdoors. I have made new friends and new skills to help me with my goal to becoming a mechanic. Jake Williams (Project K Graduate) I am 16 and attend Waitakere College. I mainly study the arts and design at school and I play way too many video games. I was interested in Directionz because it breaks the routine of everyday life and I thought it would be a good opportunity to try new things. I enjoy being able to sit and talk to other people and being part of a group. I have learned to be a little more organised and to make quicker and better decisions. Liam Murupaenga (Kiwi Can Student) I live in Mangere, South Auckland. I am Maori and Palangi. I go to Roberson Road School, I am a Year 7 Student and I love playing sports. I joined Directionz because I wanted to meet and interact with new people. It has helped me experience new things I haven’t done before and learn more about all sorts of things. Mason Crofskey (Project K Graduate) I joined Directionz because I wanted to give something back to FYD, meet new people and try new things. Being a part of Directionz is fun because I get to try new things and participate in something you usually wouldn’t be able to take part in. Priscilla Tuareka (Stars Graduate) Hey my name is Priscilla but I prefer Cillah. I am from South Auckland and I love music, art and basically anything to do with socialising with other people. I heard about Directionz through a programme I participated in called Stars and when I was asked to take part I was more than happy to join in because I am a social person and I love interacting with other people. I wanted to do something with my community because I wasn’t happy just going to school. I have gained a lot from Directionz, I have learned how to communicate with corporate organisations and I have learnt how to be a more team person instead of an individual. I would like to encourage people that if they get to do something similar they should just go hard because you are going to love it. Sharna-Jane Lamuel-Daniel (Stars Graduate) Hey guys my name is Sharna I was born in Auckland. I am Philippino, Spanish and Pakistani. I want to be a vet when I grow up so I joined FYD Directionz to help me achieve my goal. I wanted to meet new people as well. I like playing soccer and basketball, and I don’t really like maths. I like that its free and that I can meet new people and get new opportunities to get to my goal. Shea Pike (Project K Graduate) I am 17 and I live in Te Atatu Peninsula. I used to go to Rutherford College and went on Project K. I am into photography and textile design. I work in retail, and enjoy it because I am working with fashion and meet new people. I joined Directionz because it sounded like a good opportunity to meet new people and to have a new experience in life. Through Directionz I have met lots of cool people, learned how much organising goes into an art exhibition and how it is important to work as part of a team. I look forward to meeting up every month. Sing Jia Tie (Project K Graduate) I live on the North Shore of Auckland, and go to Northcote College. I am from Malaysia and I like art, graphics and design. I thought Directionz would be a chance to meet more people and learn more skills. I think it has been cool to be a part of creating the exhibition. I have enjoyed being a part of Directionz and love having contact with members at the meetings. Sophie Tew (Stars Peer Mentor) I live in South Auckland and I attend ASDAH and am currently in 7th form. I have lived in NZ for two and a half years and am originally from Australia. At school I have been a Stars Mentor for the last two years, and I hold other leadership status within our school. I love spending time with my friends and family and travelling back to Australia. I first heard about Directionz through the Stars programme at our school. From the very beginning I was keen to be a part of what sounded to be such an exciting group. Through Directionz I have connected with youth from all over Auckland, have been able to develop my leadership skills further, learned new aspects of youth programmes and have a great time while doing it. Veronica Ashin (Stars Graduate) I live in South Auckland and I am 14 years old. I am Cook Island Maori and go to ASDAH. I love sport and play volleyball, basketball, touch, rugby and netball. I was interested in Directionz because it was a new experience and a chance to get to know more people. I hoped to learn to interact with others and not be that shy. I feel I have learnt how to take control of my own actions, like when I had to call people for prizes. I have had lots of fun and it was great learning experience and I have learnt leadership skills.

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