Kia ora, my name is Aidan Ritchie. I joined Challenged 2000 as a part of the Gap year program in 2018. Born and raised in Porirua, before coming to Challenge I studied and completed a certificate in Electrical Engineering at Whitireia polytech. I worked in this field for only a short time before I realized that my ideologies and passions for social and political activism were something that had to be realized in my career if I was to lead a fulfilling life.

I have always had a strong passion for social justice and this is what brought me to Challenge 2000 – a platform to stand up for the vulnerable and disadvantaged. I am a strong believer in education, giving people the tools to make of their life what they will. At Challenge 2000 we value manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga – a combination that could loosely be translated to mentorship, which is what I am – a mentor. To share in a young person’s journey is a great privilege and to be helping our tamariki is an honour. He waka eke noa. Sometimes I think I learn as much from our rangatahi as they do from me.

My roles at Challenge include being a Mates and Dates facilitator, working with young people in both the Youth Justice system and in our education programs. I also run a Wellington City Council funded youth leadership program in Linden, my home town. I am incredibly grateful to be able to do the work I am doing. It is a privilege to work alongside so many like-minded yet different, gifted and wise people.