Programme evaluations

University of Waikato Research

In 2019 we were grateful to receive evaluation support from the University of Waikato, who used a universally validated evaluation methodology to evaluate ATAWHAI. Incredibly, rangatahi happiness increased by 12% and anxiety reduced by 12% from March to December 2019. The research also recorded increases in mindfulness, self-regulation and compassion. Rangatahi mindfulness increased by 6%, self-regulation increased by 8% and compassion increased by 10%. Based on the evaluation findings, The University of Waikato Research Team is happy in endorsing The Kindness Institute’s ATAWHAI programme. They are convinced it:

• has a profound and significant positive effect on the wellbeing of the young people it serves

• empowers rangatahi with the skills to improve their own lives and strengthen their community.

• gives rangatahi confidence and empowers them to become teachers and leaders in their communities.

Summary of impact

100% of youth report a reduction in stress. Similar results in mainstream school programmes show 97% of youth reporting a reduction in stress levels. Rangatahi also report decreases in anxiety, depression and self harm. Whānau report practising mindfulness and resilience tools, an increase in calm, positive communication and general whānau wellbeing.

Evaluations from our programmes show that young people experience:

1. Increased ability to manage stress and challenging situations in their daily lives

2. Increased sense of connection

3. Increased kindness to self and others

4. Increased ability to focus

5. Increased ability to forgive

6. Improved ability to communicate and manage conflicts

7. Increased self efficacy and general wellbeing

After 12 months of programme participation, 100% of ATAWHAI participants report that they are better equipped to deal with challenges, are practising and teaching mindfulness and resilience skills to their communities, have increased self efficacy, general wellbeing and connectedness.

All kaiako have reported that the programme has positively impacted their own wellbeing. Although the rangatahi are the central focus of the programme, evaluations show that the programme benefits a wider range of people including class teachers, youth mentors, programme facilitators as well as whānau, friends and the wider community.