I talk a lot about inspiration, optimism, vision, and the relentless pursuit of peak performance. These are the big ideas at the heart of my belief that individuals and teams can make a difference. They are what my work as a trustee, coach and mentor with the (TYLA) Turn Your Life Around Trust, out on the edge in Auckland, New Zealand is all about.
TYLA was established in 1996 and in its first three years has helped over 130 young people turn their lives around. It's a coaching program that identifies “at-risk” boys and girls between 10-16 yrs attending school, currently only in the Avondale district of Auckland City, however there is much interest in broadening the service. We help guide these young people toward making the right choices for themselves and encourage them to think about their future and to focus on goals that will make their lives constructive.
IMAGE: Kevin Roberts (centre right) receiving a cheque for $10,000 on behalf of TYLA from John Spooner (left) of The Rotary Club of Auckland. Photo: Sally Tagg
TYLA operates through schools to identify young people on the verge of getting into trouble or showing signs of violence and anti-social behavior. As diverse as their backgrounds might be, most of these young people have experienced situations such as unstable family life, broken homes and gang affiliation. Many of their parents also have difficulties brought on by things like alcoholism or problem gambling. These problems are all by-products of every modern society and they’re all on the rise within our communities. That makes the work that TYLA is doing relevant to everyone.
Providing Opportunity
TYLA offers opportunities for young people to grow through physical and mental challenges. The TYLA program has a 5 year plan for participants, that operates around 3 steps. First, to identify and select candidates requiring guidance. Second, to coach them and equip them with the skills and confidence to make the right choices. Third, to encourage them to be independent.
These steps involve a variety of support from people such as TYLA support staff, police, social workers, teachers and parents, particularly in the first two years of the program when progress is checked every week for the first year and monthly in the subsequent year. During years 3 and 4 these young people are given opportunities to become leaders at TYLA camps and events, and to find a part-time job. This year the graduates from the first TYLA course will attend Outward Bound, New Zealand’s most famous personal development and outdoor pursuits course. We hope to offer all TYLA graduates this opportunity in year five, at the completion of their program.
TYLA Mentors
The practical advice and insights of mentors is central to the TYLA program. A number of Auckland’s most prominent people, from sports to television personalities get involved to offer advice and encouragement. For one young guy, just meeting New Zealand cricketer Danny Morrison saw a transition from D grades to A grades and from being a promising cricketer to realising his goal of playing in the Auckland Development Squad, a stepping stone to the national team.
Other mentors include Community Police Constable Nick Tuitasi; New Zealand television broadcaster, Paul Holmes; New Zealand soccer star Wynton Rufer; Judge Mick Brown; former New Zealand Tall Blacks basketballer Adrian Tuitami; aerobics legend Peter Leo; New Zealand beach volleyball champ, Howard Chang; and New Zealand swimmer Nicholas Tounge. These are all inspirational people who believe in young people and the future of their community and are prepared to help make a difference.
One, TYLA trustee and mentor, Clint Brown, encourages young people to identify their goals and dreams just as he did as a student. Clint tells the story of how he was motivated by a desire to have a public profile and be the bearer of good news. Now he’s in every New Zealand living room as primetime presenter for television sport. He makes these young people believe that nothing is impossible.
Encouragement For Our Young People
Many of these young people maintain their involvement in TYLA as leaders, and guide others to achieve what they have through the program. TYLA is always evolving, and we recently added additional components such as the penpal project. This currently involves up to 40 members of the wider community who write to TYLA participants as penpals offering words of encouragement and support. There are coffee mornings for mothers, father and son camps, as well as regular leadership camps for program participants.
Recently I visited the annual TYLA camp. Eroni Clarke, a former New Zealand All Black, had been practicing the All Black haka with them all morning. As I entered the gymnasium they ambushed me with a haka that lifted the roof off the building. They displayed pride, passion and determination. This was a very moving experience, a moment of pure magic, shared. That’s one of the many inspirational ways that TYLA builds team spirit, trust and respect.
Supporting the TYLA Program
TYLA is an initiative set up by the New Zealand Police who have dedicated staff headed by Constable Phil Crowley. Crowley is the coordinator for the program and has a strong vision for the future and wellbeing of youth in New Zealand. He’s fully optimistic about TYLA’s part in turning around the youth problem in New Zealand.
TYLA also has support from schools and in the wider community from groups such as Rotary International. It is partly funded by the New Zealand Police and is dependent on support from the wider community to make it a complete success.
It is a necessary and worthwhile project, working at the grassroots of New Zealand community. The problems that TYLA address effect communities throughout the world and the solution that TYLA offers is relevant to people everywhere. TYLA is creating a credible vision, real opportunities and is constructing a better future for hundreds of young people every year.
Kia Kaha
Kevin Roberts
Make A Donation:
To make all of this possible, TYLA needs financial support. If you can help by making a donation or getting involved as a mentor, please contact TYLA. Your support will be greatly appreciated. |
