Rangatahi-Led Funds: Empowering Youth Across Otago in 2024!

Funding Stories

This year, Otago Community Trust entered the second year of the Rangatahi-Led Fund initiative, empowering young people to drive positive change in their communities.

Putting rangatahi in the driving seat, a total of 23 projects were approved this year supporting youth-led projects across four regions of Otago: North Otago, South Otago, Ōtepoti/Dunedin, and Central Otago. In collaboration with Otago Community Trust, each of the four rangatahi rōpū makes funding decisions for grants of up to $5000*.

These grants fund projects that are conceived, planned, and executed by rangatahi. This approach not only provides financial support, but also cultivates leadership skills and community engagement among Otago's youth.

The Rangatahi-Led Fund is more than just a funding source; it's a vote of confidence in the ideas, creativity, and leadership potential of Otago's youth. By putting decision-making power and resources directly into the hands of young people, this initiative is nurturing the next generation of community leaders and change-makers.

 

A Spotlight on Funded Projects

Here's a glimpse of some of the exciting projects that have received funding in 2024 - you can see the full list here:

 

Central Otago: Bike Repair Station at Alexandra Primary School

Grant: $1,140

Back in Term 1, Toby Longman (9) noticed a BIG problem at his school, Alexandra Primary – some of his friends were having issues with their wheels, meaning they couldn’t play on the pump track at lunch time. Along with his friend Murphy, they set about creating a plan to get bike tools installed at the school.

Fast forward to now, the bike repair station is up and running, giving students the tools they need to maintain their wheels. This project goes beyond repairs though; it is creating an opportunity for rangatahi to share their knowledge by teaching other students how to use the tools effectively. It's a hands-on approach to fostering practical skills and peer-to-peer learning.

Toby’s mum Megan said ‘my rear axle needed tightening when I arrived at school one day, so I was grateful to put the tools straight to work! Hopefully many others in the community also find it useful to keep their bikes safe and functioning.”

Ka rawe Toby and Murphy!!

 

South Otago: Māori Language Week Festival

Grant: $7,500

South Otago High School is planning a vibrant celebration of te reo Māori as part of an extended Te wiki o te reo Māori! This day-long festival in October will feature food, performances, and rides, inviting schools from across the region and the general public to participate. Attendees can look forward to Māori-guided games, traditional cuisine, and captivating Kapa Haka performances, all aimed at promoting and preserving Māori language and culture.

* The South Otago rōpū jointly decided to grant additional funds to this mahi due to the significance of the event and because they had additional funds left in their kete to distribute.

 

North Otago: Giant Chair Build in Orana Park, Oamaru

Grant: $4,179

As part of Youth Week 2024, young people in North Otago undertook a creative and ambitious project: building and painting a giant chair in Orana Park, Oamaru! This unique installation has quickly become a local landmark and a testament to youth creativity and collaboration. It was officially opened with an afternoon picnic and is sure to bring joy to all who grace its embrace, for many years to come.

 

Ōtepoti/Dunedin: Indian Students Association Cultural Showcase

Grant: $2,000

The University of Otago's Indian Students Association brought a unique cultural experience to campus. Drawing inspiration from the popular TV show ‘Friends,’ they created DOSTI, a showcase that blends Indian traditions, customs, and dances with relatable student life scenarios. This creative approach was an entertaining and enlightening celebration of Indian culture.

 

A Bright Future

These projects represent just a fraction of the initiatives funded through the Rangatahi-Led Fund this year. You can see the full list of projects granted in 2024 here.

As more projects unfold, we look forward to sharing their achievements and the positive impact they have on communities across Otago. Stay tuned for more updates on these inspiring youth-led projects as they come to fruition throughout 2024 and beyond.