Our research on Role Models was featured in the 2011 Race Relations Diversity Report from the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. Click here to read the report.
Excerpt from the Human Rights Commission Website:
Engaging multi-cultural at-risk youth in
transition to tertiary education and the workplace
This study documents the factors that
increase secondary school dropout rates. The research team surveyed and
interviewed 25 youth educators and conducted in depth interviews with 25 young
role models, from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, to analyse the
coping mechanism effective against early risk factors.
Thematic analysis of the stories uncovered
elements from three topics: strengthening identity through personal growth;
enablement through interpersonal development; and post- secondary transition
mechanisms. Narratives expand on these topics. Obstacles were explained as
inevitable parts of one’s pathway with descriptions of turning points.
A trailer with excerpts from these
interviews is available at: http://tinyurl.com/rolemodelexcerpts. An
interactive resource is being developed for youth workers to help youth avoid
risk factors and increase youth involvement in educational and community-based
extracurricular activities.
The long-term aim is to support at-risk secondary
students in developing goals to guide their transition from secondary
education.
The project was run in partnership with
AIESEC New Zealand and in collaboration with The University of Waikato, Wintec,
AUT, Asia:NZ Foundation, Entrepreneurship NZ: Ahikaa; the Hub Youth Charitable
Trust, Pasifika Medical Association, Waikato Museum, Raukura Hauora O Tainui
and over 20 schools throughout New Zealand. The project was funded by the Todd foundation.
Contact: Annick Janson, Associate
Researcher, Centre for Applied Cross-Cultural Research, Victoria University of
Wellington and Ecosynergy Group Ltd, Hamilton (027 288 1949).
The full set of interviews for this research is available on DVD - contact us!
