Operated by Waikato Youth Empowerment Trust

Project K Graduation 2009

Nine students have graduated from the Project K programme at Fairfield College in Hamilton. Their Graduation Ceremony was held in Hamilton and CEO of Hamilton City Council, Michael Redman provided an inspiring speech on leadership and then presented the graduates with their certificates. The student's mentors were also in attendance and they too, were recognised for their valuable contribution to Project K.

Thomas Robertson is one of the Fairfield College students and he has been selected as Waikato Youth Empowerment Trust's representative at the National Project K Excellence Awards, held at Government House in Auckland in October 2009.

Karen Blue, Programme Director Waikato has been impressed with Thomas' progress over the course of the programme. "During Project K, Thomas's interpersonal skills, maturity and sense of responsibility have increased tenfold.

"I actually asked Thomas to help us with some publicity to recruit mentors for the programme, when I heard him speaking I realised that he was truly committed to helping someone else have a great mentor and the same opportunities as him which is just fantastic," Karen said.

SBS Half Marathon and Walk

A hearty effort was required from Project K students and their mentors from Hamilton's Fraser High School at the SBS Half Marathon and Walk in Hamilton recently.

It rained heavily during the event, but the students and their mentors were determined to complete their chosen course. Some of the students used the event as one of the Health and Fitness Goals while on the Project K journey.

The Project K team also consisted of our trust's Chair, Erica Amon and Trustees, Kevin Bond and Gordon Lewis.

Despite giving up their cell phones, iPods, internet and TV for three weeks, 12 Project K Waikato students said it was their mums they missed the most.

As part of their Wilderness Adventure, the Year 10 students from Fairfield College cycled, tramped and kayaked 71km from Waitomo to Hamilton. The group also had to pitch in with the day-to-day running of the camp including cooking and cleaning.

The group all agreed it was one of the best experiences of their lives. "It was a once in a lifetime thing. I would recommend it to anyone," says Kayla Satherley.

"The transformation in the students was amazing," says Karen Blue, Project K Waikato Programme Director. "At the start they were all a bit shy and quiet but by the end they were one big group of friends ready to take anything on."