“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 wellbeing to achieve the following outcomes:
- Increased ability to regulate strong emotions such as anger and anxiety, manage stress and navigate conflict through breath and mindfulness techniques.
- Increased sense of belonging and participation through willingness and ability to participate in their communities, including as leaders and teachers.
- Greater sense of purpose, contribution and adding value, as well as increased choices and possibilities for their future.
- Stronger sense of identity and cultural connection through a focus on, and exploration of, Te Ao Māori and the individuals’ cultural needs.
- Increased self-worth, self-efficacy and leadership capabilities, allowing rangatahi to tap into their own strengths and employ them in all areas of their lives.
- Improvement in holistic well-being and greater level of spiritual and cultural wellness.
- Reduced stress in the community and strengthen sense of connection through the flow-on effect of rangatahi sharing mental wellbeing tools they heave 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