Education Trust extends its outreach
The Bay of Plenty Education Trust is backing a programme new to Tauranga that supports teenage boys without dads in their lives.
The Big Buddy Group Programme, which was successfully piloted in Auckland, was introduced in Tauranga over Term 3 this year. It is designed specifically to give boys aged 14 to 17 without dads in their lives the chance to connect, learn and grow over eight weeks, with mentors and facilitators guiding the way.
In its latest round of supplementary grant giving, the BOPET has gifted $8,000 to the initiative launched by the acclaimed Big Buddy organisation.
This new group programme - with its mentoring focus - is designed to improve the boys’ communication skills, help them build stronger interpersonal relationships, and improve wellbeing and confidence. It also aims to give a sense of belonging and help the boys aspire to educational, vocational or career goals.
There is so much value in backing organisations that work in this space, says BOPET chairman Nick Earl.
“The financial support is in line with the Trust’s desire to assist organisations and agencies offering support (and alternative education opportunities) to benefit the district's youth,” he says.
Big Buddy Mentoring Trust co-leader Steve Sobota says research shows that boys growing up without a male role model are more likely to struggle with anxiety, feelings of abandonment and reduced emotional security.
“Unfortunately, when boys and young men grow up in a world that lacks positive male role models, their ability to keep on track and stay connected to others becomes more challenging,” he says.
Nine Tauranga boys have already completed an eight-week journey of adventure, connection, and personal growth. Another group will get underway next year. Activities have included tackling a high ropes course, mountain biking, hiking, and camping under the stars, all with a focus of moving them outside their comfort zones, challenging them and encouraging them to develop new skills.
The Big Buddy organisation is recognised as not only a leading light of support for the boys, but also for their mums or caregivers.
As one Tauranga mum noted: “My son has started connecting with new people, building friendships and finding others to spend time with.
“I believe it’s especially valuable for him to have relationships with peers who understand his experience of not having a father present, without placing pressure on him to talk about it directly. Instead, he’s in an environment where he feels genuinely accepted and understood.
“I know he’s happy to have been welcomed into the group programme, and he’s been actively reaching out to those he’s met and formed friendships with.”
Big Buddy had already positively impacted Tauranga through its programme for boys aged seven to 13, also growing up without dads.
In the past five years about 50 Western Bay of Plenty boys in this age group have directly benefitted through being matched with male mentors.
In the BOP Education Trust’s latest gifting round, just shy of $30,000 has been distributed to Graeme Dingle-Project K and WBOP Life Education initiatives, and to WBOP House of Science as well as Big Buddy. The Big Buddy Group Programme is a new recipient given its recent introduction to Tauranga.
Nick says the Trust is happy to extend its outreach to such a new, worthy organisation. The Trust is always open to considering other agencies and organisations to support, whether by way of sponsorship or in partnership with other parties. Its area of support covers the coastal Bay of Plenty stretching from Katikati down to Opotiki. Those with suggestions regarding worthy recipients or partnerships can contact tom@inghammora.co.nz.