Resources Hits Town

The eight cyclists who will ride the length of New Zealand to address issues of “at-risk” behaviours among young people in small, rural communities will be leaving behind a legacy with resources that have been produced specially for this “Circle of courage” New Zealand cycle tour.

Reading materials, information packs, radio spots and newspaper articles are some of the resources that will be made available to towns visited by the “Circle of courage” cyclists.

The “Circle of courage” is a model that focuses on four main areas – belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. The New Zealand cycle tour will kick off from “where the journey begins” in Bluff on the South Island in February and conclude at the lighthouse of Cape Reinga four weeks later. It has been organised by Adventist health in the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC).

“We recognise that there are communities who may not have adequate resources to engage young people in their towns,” says Jonathan Duffy, director of Adventist health for the South Pacific Division. “These resources will equip them to do so and address ‘at-risk’ behaviours among their teenagers.”

Among the resources produced is a set of guidebooks called Quest. A community youth challenge project, it provides adults in the community an opportunity to engage the young people in a meaningful way and encourage them to realise their potential.

Consisting of a mentor’s guide, coordinator’s guide, team guide and a journal for the young people involved in the project, it has been written by Lanelle Cobbin, Curriculum Specialist of Adventist education for the NZPUC.

Further resources for mentoring have also been developed by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) through a series called “B Somebody 2 Someone”. Based on ADRA’s Getting Connected school program, it provides helpful information such as how to be a mentor, how to choose a mentor and the benefits of mentoring.

52 sixty-second radio spots, newspaper articles and bulletin announcements (one for each week of the year), have also been produced as resources for towns interested in adopting the “Circle of courage” philosophy. Written by Christine Miles, a member of the Papatoetoe Seventh-day Adventist Church, it provides stories and information on how to impact and influence young people.

“I would love to see people throughout the community relate to another child outside of their immediate family on a regular basis,” says Christine. “I also hope to be able to help adults encourage young people to actively take part in service, to assist them in seeing what needs to be done in the community, help them to provide the service and therefore give them a reason for being.”

Towns requiring further assistance can also contact Adventist health in the NZPUC who will help them with a town mapping initiative. Communities will learn what aspects of the “Circle of courage” philosophy they are strong and weak at, and receive help to roll out projects to develop the four areas.

“We can make the difference in the lives within the local community in NZ,” says Paul Rankin, tour coordinator and director of Adventist health for the NZPUC. “And there are resources available to help towns do so.”