FYD Waikato operates all three of FYD's school-based programmes - Kiwi Can, Stars and Project K.

The Trust became an incorporated society in 2005 and is based in Hamilton, Waikato.

Gerry Glover has been a trustee for three years and was appointed Chair in 2010.

In 2011, FYD Waikato is working with approximately 1600 young people across Huntly, Hamilton, and Tokoroa.  

If anyone can…a Kiwi can!

It has been an exciting year for Kiwi Can in the Waikato with the programme running in seven schools and some great school projects being lead by our talented Kiwi Can Leaders. Kiwi Can leaders have been working hard throughout the year developing and leading projects that bring a benefit to the school and it's community. In Hamilton, a large mural was designed which was created by the students and made from reusable materials. In Huntly it's wacky sports days and a school and Kiwi Can Whanau evening. And in Tokoroa the schools are getting brighter in 2011 with colourful new concrete games in which the students are helping design and paint.

Students in the Waikato have learnt about respect, integrity, resilience, health, relationships, community and the environment in fun, energetic Kiwi Can lessons.

The creation of Kandoo our Kiwi Can and FYD mascot is sure to bring some excitement to the Fourth Term with Kandoo lined up for some school visits. Its been a long year for many students and teachers with extended term lengths and the fun Kandoo will bring to the schools is a welcome reward for our Kiwi Can students who have shown such resilience.

Caption: Huntly West Kiwi Can Students

Tokoroa Student Wins at National FYD Excellence Awards 

Tokoroa High School student Melissa Appel has been recognized for her outstanding contribution to the Stars programme at Tokoroa High School. Melissa was nominated by Stars Coordinator Tony Jones who describes Melissa as an outstanding young women who has strong leadership skills. Melissa is the person who other mentors turn to for support and ideas when sessions are finishing too quickly or if the students are not fully engaged" Tony says. "She has the ability to encourage her fellow mentors and to support them to get their students back on track, Melissa has role modeled the mentor position better than I ever imagine was possible for someone so young". Melissa will go on to Waikato University in 2012 to begin her studies for primary school teaching. All the best Melissa and congratulations! 

Stars Community Adventure

Stars students at Tokoroa High School explored their near by community in Term three when they spent a day up Mt Ruapehu sking, snowboarding and learning about the mountain. For many students this was their first real experience of snow and a real learning curve about just how difficult it can be to stay warm up on the mountain. The students left Tokoroa at 6am and returned exhausted but pleased from their journey. For some this trip has opened new opportunities for hobbies with some of the students finding their talent on the ski fields.

Stars Schools

Tokoroa High School

Student Shines at National Awards

Fraser High School student Simon Pitts has been honored for his outstanding achievements whilst on the Foundation for Youth Development's Project K programme.

Simon says when he started Project K he lacked self-confidence and didn't really have big goals for the future, but the programme helped him see that if he put his mind to it, he could achieve anything.

"Project K gave me opportunities to do things that i never would have done otherwise" Simon says. "It taught me a lot about leadership, how you have to work together as a team to get things done and be aware of everyone's needs. before project K I wasn't really working towards anything, now I'm looking at studying architecture and keeping up with all my subjects to make it happen."

 Along with a three-week Wilderness Adventure and a two week Community Challenge, Project K also involves the student being matched with a trained volunteer mentor from the community for 12 months.

Simon and his mentor Russell Walsh had an incredible journey, trekking mountains and running three half marathons together - one of Simons goals which Russell supported. Russell says that it is incredible how much Simon has grown since he first met Simon more than 12 months ago.

"When i first met Simon he was pretty shy and Project K has really brought him out of his shell. He meets your eyes now, initiates activities and is going forward in leaps and bounds" says Russell.

Project K Waikato Schools:

Hamilton's Fraser High School

ANZ
Bidvest
Caltex
Carter Holt Harvey
COGS
David Henry Tokoroa Grants Scheme
Deloitte
Fairfield Rotary Club
Fonterra
Genesis Energy
Grassroots Trust
Hamilton City Council
Harkness Henry
Interspeed Web Solutions Ltd
Lion Foundation
Karamu Trust
NZ Lottery Grants Board
NZ Police
PWC
SBS Banking
Sky City Hamilton Community Trust
South Waikato District Council
Southern Trust
Trust Waikato
Wel Energy Trust
Youthtown