The Rangatahi Fitness Leadership Programme is aimed at extending pupils' physical and mental capability with a focus on goal-setting, leadership and teamwork to help break down barriers between youth and police. Samantha McPherson reports.
A programme designed to support young people while breaking down the barriers between youth and police could be extended across all schools in Dunedin.
A group of 20 year 8 pupils from Carisbrook School and Bathgate Park School will take part in the eight-week Rangatahi Fitness Leadership programme, which is due to start next month.
Iwi Pacific Liaison Officer Senior Constable Toni Wall said the programme was another step toward breaking down the barriers between youth and police.
''It's all about police working with and supporting young people - breaking down those barriers so they can see us in a different light. If the programme is successful we want to extend it out into other schools. It does come down to funding ... we want to put the kids in training tops, shorts and good shoes. We could find a way to make it work if there wasn't funding out there,'' she said.
The programme aimed to extend a young person's mind and physical capability with a focus on goal-setting, leadership and teamwork, Snr Const Wall said.
''It provides mentoring opportunities, gives them a sense of contributing value to society and leaves them feeling positive about themselves with their own identity.
''They are year 8 pupils ... they are at that vulnerable stage in life where there's a lot of negative influences out in the community and peer pressure.
''It's about giving them tools to challenge themselves, to be disciplined, to be motivated and to be respected in a physical environment. It's going to be suited to different levels of fitness and motivation,'' she said.
The programme will be based at Bathgate Park School and run from 7am to 8am every Tuesday and Thursday. A healthy breakfast will be provided and pupils will have the opportunity to engage with local sports heroes.
Snr Const Wall said eight Queen's High School pupils would work alongside pupils and help mentor them.
