WINNER OF THE TRUSTPOWER AND NELSON TAMAN DISTRICT COUNCILS COMMUNITY AWARDS FOR; EDUCATIONAL AND CHILD/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 2008 (RUNNER UP FOR THE SAME AWARD IN 2009)

About the Programme 

Darnz Hip-Hop Salsa Crew Incorporated (DHS) is a non-profit organisation. The programme has been developed for youth between 5yrs and 17yrs. DHS has proven that positive activity in a supported environment breeds positive attitudes in young people.  This programme will include a diverse range of activity however; there will be a focus on the use of “dance and music” as a common medium for positive activity. Participants will learn all styles of dance from Hip-Hop, Salsa to Rock n Roll. 

Rather than offering a one-off service tailored to a specific age group, the programme aims to instil a culture of individual betterment that will help youth make positive decisions through their youth and into adulthood. 

Leadership Development 

One key aspect of the programme that has proven successful is the DHS Leadership Development Programme. While engaged in the programme the youth will be encouraged to fully participate and where appropriate, take the lead in activities such as programme leader or mentoring participants through mutual support. 

Management 

Four students of the programme are members of the Society’s Management   Committee. This means that they can have input into the programme and the needs that they, as youth, identify with. 

Employment 

Once Leaders have met the necessary competencies of the programme, they become available to be selected to open and operate a DHS site (in a paid role), with the support of a parent who is also trained to manage student registrations, invoicing and supervision.

DHS are currently operating in Nelson and Motueka, with a programme in development in Christchurch.

DHS Service Content

There are currently youth activities and support services available throughout New Zealand.  However, many of these services tend to address specific needs of youth at specific ages.  We know that youth needs change and that by applying a generic intervention; based on positive activity we will help youth to develop skills and values that they can carry through their lifetime. 

Programme Aim

One key aspect of the programme that has proven successful is the Leadership Development Programme. While engaged in the programme the youth will be encouraged to fully participate and where appropriate, to take the lead in activities such as programme leader etc.  This concept has resulted in DHS winning The 2008 Trustpower and Nelson/Tasman District Councils Community Awards for Educational and Child/Youth Development and runner up for the same award in 2009.

Programme Purpose

The programme purpose will; 

• be available in school and out of school hours 
• a whole of family and whole of community approach to support of youth activity and achievement 
• be based on positive physical activity 
• be available in low socio-economic areas of Nelson/Tasman and Christchurch 
• provide opportunities for the development of leadership skills in youth 
• facilitate discussions with participants on their career goals 
• use music and dance as a common medium across age, gender and ethnicity 
• introduce moral-based generic values that will carry through the youth’s development rather than age-based responses and then; 
• encourage youth to share their positive learning’s with other participants through mentoring and mutual support 
• promote and facilitate activity relating to Healthy Eating choices for youth and families 
• develop leadership and facilitation skills for youth participating in the programme 
• be available across the Nelson/Tasmanregion with prospects for national roll-out 

Target Area 

• Age’s 5-17years, with work focused on individuals once they leave secondary school, to assist in the implementation of the programme locally or nationally. 
• All ethnicities 
• Any gender
• All education/training needs 
• Youth at risk of disengagement from education and positive participation 
• Youth with learning/disability issues

Youth Involvement

Four students of the programme are members of the Society’s Management   Committee. Their input in the programme provides means that they can have input into the programme and the needs that they, as youth, identify with. They are trained in all aspects of project management, decision-making and implementation of activities, administration and marketing of the programme. 

Leaders nominated within the programme are given the opportunity and support to mentor new students to enable them to decide to take on leadership responsibilities. All students are given the opportunity to evaluate and observe programme delivery to recommend improvements. 

Once Leaders have met the necessary competencies of the programme, they become available to be selected to open and operate a DHS site (in a paid role), with the support of a parent who is also trained to manage student registrations and invoicing. 

Community Funding 

DHS has been able to maintain its service on an individual’s $45 term fee.

Since its inception, DHS has only applied for minimal funding as we have been able to sustain the programme due to numbers participating in the programme. 

However, the Management Committee has agreed to apply for funding for two paid employees due to the programme expanding outside of the Nelson Region.

Partnerships 

DHS is already in discussions with other Service Providers to develop partnerships where youth participating in the programme will gain access to other services. Some of these services will provide Team Leaders an opportunity to gain NZQA standard qualification in leadership. 

Programme Structure 

DHS will be restructuring it’s organisation during 2009 due to the programmes continued growth. There will be an overarching ‘Trust’ established, with its various programmes and services attached like; The DHS Leadership Development Programme, OSCAR Programme, Employment and Training Service, Youth Advocacy Service, Youth Partnership Service with other Organisations