“Tell me about your point of difference? “was the question I put to Delane and Jono from MacStrong. The response came back “We don’t have a space.” On one level this is a bit unusual and doesn’t seem hugely significant but as we talked further, the deeper benefits were revealed. Without a fixed location MacStrong can focus on the individual as they live within their own community. The mentor listens to the young person’s circumstances and tailors a programme to meet the outcomes specified at the start of the relationship. The mentor taps into the community resources to give rangatahi valuable experience. This is mentoring to meet a personalised purpose.
The origins of MacStrong
Delane explained that this approach emerged about 10 years ago as he responded to the young people he met through Waipareira Trust in Henderson and the Kauri Trust in Glendene, West Auckland. He saw that things changed for these rangtahi once he could get them active. He took them diving, fence building, lawn mowing and many other activities that sparked their interest. As numbers grew, he persuaded Jono to develop this approach into a professional, accredited, mentoring organization able to respond to referrals from schools, social workers, Oranga Tamariki care and protection, and Youth Justice. Since they are not anchored to West Auckland, MacStrong can take this mahi to where it is needed, finding mentors for young people living across the country, from the Far North to the furthest South.
How it works in practice
Mentors are recruited from the communities as needed. An applicant is interviewed, vetted, trained and matched with the referred rangatahi. In the initial stages of the relationship goals are discussed, and they form the basis of an intensive few months getting the young person out doing things. The individual’s programme is tailored to meet the outcomes they see for themselves. As progress is made the rangatahi see themselves achieving success, finding a worthwhile pathway to be work-ready including qualifications, work experience, driver’s licence and a positive attitude.
I heard the story of an angry young man who came to enjoy mowing lawns, who can now put his work experience in a CV and has ambitions to be an auto mechanic. Mentoring helped him to stay at school into Year 12, gaining confidence, qualifications and valuable people skills.
Another young man told of a life in and out of court, then with MacStrong discovered the satisfaction of providing for his family through diving and fishing. Practical learning helped him see a better self and he now has an apprenticeship in the heavy fabrication and welding industry.
And a 3rd has a story of a shy young man, a stay-at-home who didn’t want to do anything who, with the help of his mentor, is working for his real estate licence and is studying business at AUT.
These young people acknowledged that with the help of their mentors they have been able to get off the couch, dream a positive productive future and enjoy the action journey to make the dream come true. MacStrong mentors have supported them to find purpose, take responsibility and make a positive contribution to whānau and community.
Visit the MacStrong website for more information.
