"Recent events in Christchurch have been harrowing to see and our hearts go out to everyone in Canterbury.

"If there is one thing that the earthquake has reinforced, it’s our responsibility as adults, parents, teachers and mentors,  to equip our young people with the tools to help them to be resilient; to face challenges with courage; to support others less fortunate and face the future with optimism.

"All FYD programmes set out to give young people these skills and we’re determined to ensure that young Cantabrians continue to have access to these programmes. The Canterbury Trust has recently been rebuilt, a new programme director appointed and its strategic plan reviewed to ensure that the needs of the community are being met in the most effective way.

"FYD’s Community Development Strategy (CDS) will be implemented in Christchurch which see our three school-based programmes sequenced so young people have support from the time they start primary school to the end of high school. The immediate areas of focus will be Hornby and Aranui where Project K is currently run. We intend to implement this as soon as possible, but the timeframe is going to be dependent on infrastructure."

FYD Chair, Dean Ellwood

Earlier this year, Akaroa Area school welcomed Year Nine students and their Stars peer mentors from Oxford School. Students from both schools were treated to a dolphin sightseeing tour thanks to Black Cat cruises.

That night both schools were invited onto the local Marae where they enjoyed a fish and chip supper followed by a quiz night.

The following day both sets of students participated in the Akaroa community treasure hunt. Local Stars students and mentors hosted teams of six as they raced around the Akaroa harbour.

Later this year, the Akaroa students will visit Oxford where they will take part in team building exercises, local community treasure hunt and visit the local observatory.

FYD Canterbury currently has two Project K programmes starting in term three.  Hornby High School depart on their wilderness adventure at the end of September.  Aranui High School will be leaving early October.

The team is currently seeking Project K mentors, if you would like to make a difference to the life of a Chirstchurch teen contact Luke today!