Ready, set, grow

Making learning fun! 

We believe young people can achieve great things. With the right support and encouragement, they can build confidence in everyday skills like cooking, personal care and trying new things.

In Ashburton, our team wanted to understand what would make a real difference for local young people and their families. So they started by asking the community one simple question, what would help?

Collaborative and creative! 

Parents and caregivers shared what their children needed and what would make learning feel fun and achievable. From these conversations, a school holiday programme began to take shape, building on what young people already bring, while giving them space to grow.

With community support, the programme came to life. Local businesses donated products, first aid kits, and food for cooking sessions, so children could keep practicing at home. 

The programme focused on four key areas: Life Hacks, Maintenance, Food, and Be Active.

Children planted vegetables, learned basic bike skills, and explored nature. They built confidence in caring for themselves, preparing simple meals, and creating healthy lunchboxes. They also discovered low- and no-cost ways to stay active in their community.

Growing everyday practical skills!

Parents shared just how much it meant for their families. One parent said that after a really challenging time, seeing their children come home “lit up” and proudly showing what they had made felt incredibly special.

Others spoke about their children’s excitement to return each day, sharing new skills with friends and whānau, and feeling more confident to try new things.

Each part of the programme built on existing strengths, helping young people feel capable and confident. Thank you to the local businesses who made this possible. Together, this support is helping children grow in confidence, independence, and practical skills they can use in everyday life.