Latest news with #YouthHub
Hamilton Spectator
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Portage Youth Hub August calendar full of fun, free summer activities and cultural connections
From painting windows to martial arts and powwow outings, Portage's Youth Hub is rolling out a new month of free summer programming designed to engage, inspire, and support local youth. Jacinda Houle, Cultural Support Navigator at the Youth Hub, says the centre's August calendar of activities includes a mix of creative, cultural, and physical programming, all accessible to youth ages 12-29 at no cost. 'We try to eliminate as many barriers as possible,' said Houle. 'All the events are free, we provide food, and we can even help with transportation.' Among the highlights is the return of Rene Harder, a former practicum student who now joins the Youth Hub full-time as a youth mentor. Harder's first event is a collaborative window-painting session at the Youth Hub. 'We're really excited to have Rene back,' said Houle. 'They're incredibly creative and bring so many great ideas for engaging youth.' The centre is also offering a series of Muay Thai martial arts sessions with instructor James Donald. While turnout has been modest so far, Houle is hopeful the program will gain momentum. Lessons are held at Red River College. 'It's something really different and empowering for youth,' she said. 'We just want to get the word out and encourage more to come try it out.' In addition to on-site programs, the Youth Hub also teams up with the Family Resource Centre to offer Parents' Time: Culture and Connection on August 7. The program features cultural workshops such as beading or leatherwork while childcare is provided for participants. 'It's a great opportunity for parents who want to connect to their culture while knowing their kids are being cared for,' Houle said. Rounding out this week's programming is a Saturday trip to the Long Plain First Nation Powwow, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Youth Hub will transport up to five youth to the event by van, and advance sign-up is required. 'It's always a really special experience,' said Houle. 'We'll spend a few hours there and let youth take it all in.' To register or learn more about upcoming events, youth and families can contact the Youth Hub directly. The full August calendar is posted on the Portage Youth Hub's social media channels or check out — Renée Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Scoop
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Ōtara Youth Hub Closure: A Critical Loss For Rangatahi As Funding Cuts Take Their Toll
The unexpected closure of the Ōtara Youth Hub has left staff without jobs and local rangatahi, young people, without a trusted place to seek help. The situation highlights how contract funding cuts reshape communities in South Auckland. Ōtara has around 21,700 residents, with a median age of just 27.6, and more than half (54 per cent) of the population is under 30, according to the 2023 census and community data. The youthful demographic shows the critical need for dedicated youth spaces in the area. According to an E Tū Whānau feature published in July 2023, the Ōtara Youth Hub, which E Tū Whānau had funded for the past three years, provided local rangatahi with a safe and creative environment for career support, music production, mentoring, and cultural activities, even enabling some young people to attend NASA Space Camp and the Dubai Expo. Its sudden closure cuts off access to this wide range of opportunities. Victoria Hearn, a former employee at the Ōtara Youth Hub, says the entire team was made redundant when funding was exhausted. 'Myself and all the youth hub were made redundant due to them running out of funding and not securing more. So, as of the 30th of June, I finished sadly. My team and I are absolutely gutted as there is now no physical space for our rangatahi who needed it most. They are going to still run youth programmes, but there will no longer be the intensive one-to-one support that we provided for our higher risk and disengaged rangatahi.' Hearn suggested that inquiries should be directed to CEO Terangi Parima. In a heartfelt statement on social media before the closure, the Ōtara Youth Hub stated: 'Like many others across Aotearoa, we have been directly impacted by the government's funding cuts, and sadly, this special place, along with our incredible team of kaimahi, is one of the casualties. 'The Youth Hub has been more than just a space. It's been a second home, a safe haven, and a source of connection, inspiration and growth for hundreds of young people… We know the loss of this space is painful. The Ōtara Youth Hub has been the only daily drop-in space for youth in our area, and its absence will be deeply felt.' Apulu Reece Autagavaia, chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, says the situation clearly shows how government cost-cutting affects local frontline services. 'It's really unfortunate, and this is a sign of the government's cuts to social organisations, social contracts… This is what happens when we have a government that just wants to save and give money to landlords, tobacco lobbyists and oil companies,' he says. 'At the grassroots level, at the everyday street level, this is what happens. The good services get closed down, and this is what Ōtara people are suffering from.' The local board is now seeking ways to find alternative council-owned spaces in the town centre to fill the gap left by the Youth Hub. 'We need to find another place for them. The local board members are keen to look at what, within council facilities, can accommodate them,' Apulu says. Manukau Ward councillor Lotu Fuli says the closure is just one example of how funding cuts affect a young community like Ōtara. She says the Youth Hub played a significant role in reaching young people who might not otherwise receive support. 'Ōtara-Papatoetoe is the second youngest in terms of average age in the city, and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu is the youngest. The whole Manukau ward is the youngest in the city and possibly the country. So it's really important we have initiatives for young people, and that they feel empowered as leaders, not just of tomorrow but today. 'My understanding is it's because of cuts in funding generally. We're seeing that happen across the board to pretty much every community programme and locally driven initiative in the city and the country.' While the physical hub has closed, Fuli says the group still exists and may continue some activities in shared spaces like the Ōtara Kai Village. She says different organisations and groups, such as the Youth Hub and the Youth Council (TOPS), serve different segments of the youth population. 'I hope that in the near future, we'll see the Ōtara Youth Hub re-establish an actual place where they can carry on their work. From what I understand, they still exist but will probably be working out of the Ōtara Kai Village space. It just means they don't have a separate hub dedicated just for young people. 'Groups like TOPS really concentrate on our secondary school leaders who are probably going on to university, whereas the Youth Hub caters more to young people who are perhaps out of the school system, like our biker boys, who don't necessarily end up in tertiary education. The wider we cast our net, the better.' What happens next? The honest answer is that no one knows yet. Terangi Parima, CEO of Terangi Community Builders Trust, declined to comment. The local board continues to explore what council-owned facilities could host youth services in the future.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Face of Change – Zanele made it to the Face of Emalahleni finalists.
Face of Change – Zanele made it to the Face of Emalahleni finalists. The stage is set, the competition is heating, and the spotlight is shining bright on the Face of Emalahleni 2025 finalists. One contestant believes she stands out from the rest – Zanele Mokgotho, a 23-year-old youth from Kwa-Guqa, with a passion for healing, empowerment, and transformation. As a traditional healer, engineering student, writer, and businesswoman, Zanele is a full number to bet with. Her initiatives, such as Ga-Chaya Initiation African School and Innovated School Lunchbox, are making one of the greatest impacts in her community, and her #MyStoryMatters campaign is giving voice to the voiceless as she has always wanted to. 'I created the #MyStoryMatters campaign to help young people share their journeys – especially those who carry trauma, spiritual callings, or emotional wounds,' Zanele said. What sets Zanele apart is her vision for a brighter future. As a finalist for Face of Emalahleni 2025, she plans to use the title to launch her Youth Hub initiative, empowering young people through healing spaces, creative events, and mental health education. She also wants to use the title to grow Innovated School Lunchbox. By that, Zanele is not only contesting for the crown, but for change. 'This journey is not just about the crown. For me, it's about using every opportunity to build a generation of proud, conscious, and empowered young people,' said Zanele. Was that enough for Zanele? She is also an upcoming author currently working on several books, including Motupi, Afa Okgothaditšwe, At All Costs, and Dissenter, which reflect her activism, personal experiences, and spiritual vision. 'I am Zanele Mokgotho – a reflection of healing, strength, tradition, and unstoppable purpose,' Zanele emphasised. For information on how to vote for Zanele Mokgotho, go to the Face of Emalahleni page on Facebook or Zanele Mokgotho's page. Zanele is urging society to rally behind her as a talented young woman and support her journey to the top. Who knows what the future holds for Zanele? One thing is certain – it's going to be bright! For information on how to vote for Zanele Mokgotho, kindly go to the Face of Emalahleni page on Facebook or Zanele Mokgotho's page. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh government partners with UNICEF to launch three youth empowerment initiatives
Vijayawada: In a major stride towards empowering the youth in the state, the Andhra Pradesh govt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UNICEF to launch three transformative initiatives: Youth For Social Impact (YFSI), YouthHub, and Passport 2 Earning (P2E). The strategic MoU was signed in the presence of HRD, IT & electronics minister Nara Lokesh, UNICEF chief field officer for AP, Karnataka, and Telangana Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse, adolescent and youth development officer Manasa Priya Vasudevan, and others on Wednesday. The three initiatives are aligned with the state govt's 'One Entrepreneur, One Family' mission and the broader Swarna Andhra 2047 roadmap, reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering innovation, inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods for youth across the state. The first initiative, Youth for Social Impact (YFSI), aims to build a generation of job creators by equipping over 200,000 youth from polytechnic, degree, and engineering institutions with entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills, using UNICEF's global UPSHIFT framework. YouthHub introduces a multilingual digital platform integrated with AP's Naipunyam portal to connect marginalised youth to job and skilling opportunities, as well as volunteering opportunities—ensuring no young person is left behind in the digital economy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Passport to Earning (P2E) offers free, globally competitive digital and professional skills training for youth aged 15 to 29, preparing them to navigate and lead in a rapidly evolving workforce landscape. Speaking on the occasion, Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse and Manasa Priya Vasudevan commended the leadership and vision of the govt, noting: "The state's commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive development stands as a leading example for the country. UNICEF is pleased to collaborate with the AP govt to accelerate progress towards a future where every young person is equipped to thrive and contribute to sustainable development." Principal Secretary (Higher Education) Kona Sashidhar, AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) CEO G Ganesh Kumar, and others were present.
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Three UNICEF initiatives to empower youth launched in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: The State government in collaboration with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) launched three flagship initiatives, Youth for Social Impact (YFSI), YouthHub, and Passport to Earning (P2E), under a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh. The initiatives aim to equip young people across the State with the skills, tools, and platforms necessary to thrive in an evolving economy. These programmes align with the CM's 'One Entrepreneur, One Family' and the broader Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision. Under Youth for Social Impact (YFSI), over 2 lakh students from polytechnic, degree, and engineering colleges will be upskilled in entrepreneurship and problem-solving through UNICEF's UPSHIFT framework. The programme targets the creation of a generation of job creators rather than job seekers. YouthHub, a digital-first, multilingual platform integrated with the State's Naipunyam portal, will connect marginalised youth to job opportunities, skill development, and volunteering programmes, ensuring digital inclusion at scale. The Passport to Earning (P2E) initiative offers free access to digital and professional training for youth aged 15-29, equipping them with globally competitive skills to excel in the future workforce. Principal Secretary Kona Sasidhar, APSSDC CEO G Ganesh Kumar, and others were present.
