Eastern Bay Community Foundation, through the generosity of our donors, is pleased to be able to give seed funding to establish Project K at Ōpōtiki College in 2027.
Project K, run by the Graeme Dingle Foundation, is a 14-month mentoring programme designed for Year 10 students. It involves three parts (wilderness adventure, community challenge and an individual mentoring partnership with a trained mentor), and focuses on building confidence, developing life skills, promoting good health and encouraging a positive attitude.
The aim of Project K is to arm these young people with a belief in their own ability to complete tasks and achieve goals, and to help them maximise their potential.
Project K is designed to kick in at a time when young people need it most.
The research
Research shows that Project K:
Improves self-confidence and focus
Improves academic skills
Reduces negative behaviour such as smoking and truancy
Improves motivation
Improves the ability to form and maintain peer relationships and social assertiveness
Improves ability to ask for help, information and support
The Project K model of mentoring
The Project K Model of Mentoring is founded on the principle of ‘promoting the wellbeing of young people and their ability to maximise their potential.’
This is achieved by:
Promoting the young person’s sense of well-being and ability to maximise their potential through the mentoring partnership.
Developing an authentic, respectful partnership with the young person and their family.
Acknowledging the whole person.
Supporting the young person to set and realise their dreams and goals for positive personal growth.
Focusing on activities that help build self-efficacy, resilience and self-confidence.
Role modelling effective life skills.
Investing in the future of our young people and our community
The seed funding committed for the next few years is thanks to:
The Eastern Bay Community Foundation is please to connect donors and community organisations to create this opportunity and grow thriving communities.
The launch of Project K at Ōpōtiki College comes at a crucial time for our Ōpōtiki community. By empowering young people with mentoring, support and opportunities to reach their potential, the programme will create a ripple effect of positive change that will strengthen families, schools and the wider community for years to come.
To find out more about Project K click here.
