“After a week of Atawhai I feel more calm, more open, more clear-minded and energetic.“

- Atawhai Rangatahi, 2021

OVERVIEW

ATAWHAI is a kaupapa Māori and tikanga driven resilience and mental health program based on Te Whare Tapa Whā framework. The community mandated project is rangatahi-led and has been designed to build strong mental health, resilience and leadership skills in marginalised rangatahi (aged 14-18) and their whānau. Although these young people have low levels of self-efficacy (the belief in their ability to meet challenges), they have great potential to learn new skills, improve their mental health and transform their lives.

PROGRAM DETAILS

ATAWHAI works with a cohort of 10-15 rangatahi over a 6-7 month period. Through an intensive week-long programme, monthly wānanga (workshops), development sessions and ongoing mentoring, rangatahi learn how to regulate their emotions, deal with conflict, improve their ability to forgive, and build their motivation, decision-making and relationship skills. ATAWHAI supports rangatahi holistically through activities including yoga, mindfulness, reflection and the creative arts with the aim of equipping them with lifelong communication stress management and resilience skills.

Importantly, rangatahi are supported to teach and share their skills in their daily life through the Tuku Iho (training the trainer) model, with the whanau and wider community so the benefits ripple beyond the young people.

OUTCOMES

Atawhai aims to enhance youth development and improve mental well-being to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Increased ability to regulate strong emotions such as anger and anxiety, manage stress, and navigate conflict through breathwork and mindfulness techniques.
  • A stronger sense of belonging and participation, demonstrated by a willingness and ability to engage with their communities, including as leaders and teachers.
  • A greater sense of purpose and contribution, along with increased opportunities and possibilities for their future.
  • A stronger sense of identity and cultural connection through a focus on and exploration of Te Ao Māori and the individual’s cultural needs.
  • Enhanced self-worth, self-efficacy, and leadership capabilities, enabling rangatahi to tap into their strengths and apply them across all areas of their lives.
  • Improved holistic well-being, with greater levels of spiritual and cultural wellness.
  • Reduced stress within the community and a stronger sense of connection, driven by the flow-on effect of rangatahi sharing the mental well-being tools they have learned.

The programme is currently delivered in Auckland every month but, with increased funding support, we intend to grow the number of programmes and hope to expand nationwide.

“I’ve learnt that being present and in the now has saved me from a lot of stress and unnecessary pressure”

— Atawhai Rangatahi, 2021

ATAWHAI Expression of Interest Form

Please note that our Atawhai programme runs from April-September each year

Recruitment for Atawhai opens in September and closes in March however our team will contact you with more details about the next available cohort when we receive your EOI below