Source: Saturday Express, Blenheim Marlborough
Three Marlborough leaders who work with young people have received excellence awards for their leadership.
Jordan Peipi, Fili Moalafotu and Lisa Preece were recognised for their work in the Marlborough community at the Graeme Dingle Foundation Excellence Awards this week.
The awards ceremony in Auckland celebrated the 27,000 students, mentors, leaders and volunteers that have been involved in the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s programmes – including Kiwi Can, Stars and Career Navigator – in the past 12 months.
Peipi and Moalafotu received the Outstanding Team Leader Award for their leadership of the Kiwi Can programme in schools, and Lisa Preece won the Outstanding Programme Co-ordinator Award for her role with Career Navigator which helps young people find careers.
Kiwi Can is a values education programme for years 1- 8p, which runs in 100 primary schools around the country.
Moalafotu said one of the most important life skills it teaches was resilience.
“We teach them to try, try again, and it’s not about winning, but what you learn on the way,” he said.
Peipi said it also gives kids confidence and problem solving skills.
“Firstly they need to hear an adult telling them they’ve got what it takes, and teach them how to brainstorm solutions for whatever they’re struggling with, whether it’s fitting all the pieces of a puzzle together or scoring a goal.”
Preece said it was important to open kids’ eyes to local employment opportunities.
“There’s a real sense that much of the region’s local talent leaves Marlborough without a good understanding of the career opportunities that are possible locally … we want to change that.”
Mountaineer and outdoor education pioneer Dingle said the purpose of the awards was to celebrate young people in New Zealand.
“Each year, these kids show courage, determination and resilience.
“It gives me a tremendous sense of joy to be able to recognise and acknowledge each and every one of our winners.”
“”There’s a real sense that much of the region’s local talent leaves Marlborough without a good understanding of the career opportunities that are possible locally … we want to change that.”
Lisa Preece