A new year, a new Caritas Challenge for the year 2017. And many many new tasks and challenges for us in our daily life to help saving our planet.
Over 80 people from Challenge, our Youth Houses and from all around Wellington, Porirua and the Hutt took part of the “Sleep in a cardboard house”-challenge and enjoyed talks, activities, authentic food and workshops about climate change. This year’s main project is the support of Kiribati: Due to the higher and higher rising sea level, it becomes almost impossible for them to stay on their land. But we want to keep up their spirit and culture, their communities and families and became part of the Caritas Challenge 2017 with this weekend’s big event. Sleeping in cardboard houses and learning heaps about how WE can save OUR planet.
How can YOU save OUR planet?
Over the weekend, all the Youth Houses got together – a day for fun in the sun, and food to be shared. The day was filled with team sports in the morning, lunch and then more sports in the afternoon. Teams were made up and given a specific colour to wear.
Tumeke Taita was held over the weekend – I had the wonderful opportunity of attending this festival. I was able to speak with those who were not familiar with Challenge 2000 and also met with those who have been grateful for the assistance Challenge has given them in the past. It was a great time connecting with people from Taita and the services offered there. I was given the chance to speak and perform on stage so I sang “Wake-Up” by Aaradna. Despite the wet weather, spirits were high.
With schools back in action, Challenge 2000 offers breakfast and lunch clubs at a few colleges in Porirua. All students from the schools are welcome and encouraged to join us for food, conversation and healthy eating tips.
These programmes began with a hope that they would address various needs for each student that participates. It’s a great time to socialise outside of the classroom and be nourished with a healthy meal in the process!
Last week at the lunch club we had 20 students come and enjoy some delicious chicken curry with rice and fruit salad on the side. The menu each week is different, scrumptious and an assortment of goodness! The students seem to really like the variety and it gives them something unique, fun and fulfilling to look forward to each week.
If you would like to contribute towards the breakfast and lunch clubs, please contact Challenge 2000 – 04 477 0045. Any contribution is appreciated.
Challenge 2000 attended the Naenae College Tabloid sports day last week. The Hutt put on a hot sunny day – great for sports!!
Our staff got involved with the sports and helping out in true Challenge style – especially on the BBQ!!An exhilarating, fun day was had by all staff, students and volunteers – aching muscles a testament to this!!!!
Challenge 2000 went snorkelling with St Anne’s School in Newtown. Without Challenge 2000’s support, the trip would not have gone ahead. Unfortunately most families are unable to give up their time due to work commitments so Challenge 2000 was happy to assist where needed. The staff and Gap students who helped out had great fun, were awesome adult supervisors, encouragers and “guardians” of the children.
It was great to help make a difference and allow these children to get opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t normally get.
And Wellington produced a magnificent day for snorkelling!
It was a great day humming with lively music, face painting, sausages, baking and loads miscellaneous treasures for sale.
People commented on how nice it was to have the Hall opened up and to learn about Challenge 2000 and the work we do in the Community.
One place left for this year’s GAP programme – get in quick!!!
Contact Nicole on 021 655 697 TODAY if you would like to experience youth work, social work, service, training opportunities and experiences all while getting paid!!!
