The Rosebank Lodge in Balclutha hosted 13 young people, their families, and members of the Clutha District Council on Tuesday night, marking the end of three 14-week programmes designed to increase work skills, career opportunities and community involvement, through boosting fitness, self-esteem and attitude levels.
Ownership of and pride in the Clutha District was encouraged through work on community-based projects, which are identified, planned and managed by young people.
The three programmes ran back-to-back through the year.
The leadership course ran from February to May, and this year the Bushyhill St park toilet block and playground area in Tapanui received a face-lift.
The one-on-one programme from May to August offered personal mentoring, while the Cactus physical challenge ran from August to December.
Youth development co-ordinator Daniel Maze said the programmes sent a strong message to the community that the development of youth was important.
"The first year we did it, people thought you had to be bad to be on it, but we get a mix.
"They all do well in school and come from pretty good homes.
"The one-on-one helps some kids and gives them opportunities they haven't had," he said.
"This year was a success, and hopefully the funding will be there for it next year."
Clutha District development manager Julie Pearse said council support for the programme began as a result of community feedback to the first Long Term Community Council Plan.
By supporting young people and connecting them to their district, when people left for education, they had more reason to come back, Mrs Pearse said.
"It was clear there were young people that needed support . . .
"The parents are really appreciative and see the value to the district."
Steven Gallagher joined the Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit and Support (Cactus) programme, which involved being at the gym at 6.45am every morning to train for an hour, before a group breakfast and then school.
"I really enjoyed it. It was challenging but fun," he said.
As part of the challenge, the group staged a 14-hour stationary bike ride outside The Warehouse in Balclutha, to raise food and money for the local food bank.
