Dowie Announces Small Communities Youth Grant Funding For Halfmoon Bay School

Sarah Dowie, National MP for Invercargill, is delighted to hear that young people living in offshore communities such as Stewart Island will soon benefit from a local youth initiative.

“Halfmoon Bay School on Stewart Island, together with Kaitoki School on Great Barrier Island, will receive $5000 to support a total 20 young people to help plan and deliver activities as part of a rural network event involving both mainland and offshore schools,” Sarah Dowie says.

“This is thanks to a funding boost to the Small Communities Youth Grant Fund, recently announced by Youth Minister, Hon Nikki Kaye.“The funding will provide development opportunities, including leadership programmes, mentoring and volunteering for young people. This will help to broaden their horizons whilst contributing positively to their communities.

“The programmes will enable them to develop skills and qualities such as self-confidence, leadership and decision-making. I wholeheartedly support this exciting new initiative.

“It can be difficult for young people living in offshore communities to access the same opportunities as other youths living in larger centres.

“However, the Government recognises that tomorrow’s leaders and achievers are just as likely to come from our offshore communities as our bigger towns and cities.

“That is why National is providing opportunities for young people living in offshore communities like Stewart Island.

“This National-led Government is committed to providing young people with broad and varied opportunities that will put them on the path to a successful future. The Small Communities Youth Grant Fund for Stewart Island is a shining example of that,” Sarah Dowie says.