As an organisation, we were established to unlock the potential and lift the life trajectory of young people from challenging backgrounds during the high school and post-school period of their lives.
We work on a number of areas to build their resilience and capacity in preparation for the step into adult life.
Prevention is better than cure. Our work saves lives before they are in jeopardy – we build hope before hopelessness can develop, we get our young people used to being healthy before being unhealthy becomes an option and we give them better reasons to choose healthy directions than they have for wandering off track.
Our five-to-seven year programme engages with a young person as he or she comes towards the end of their Intermediate learning; you can interact with our full pathway for students here. The students referred to us are then supported through the transition to High School by core members of the existing group. Students then join The Rising ‘family’ and become part of a validating peer group.
Throughout High school, they are taught and modelled foundational themes, values and principles that help them make sense of their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. They are taught these in a variety of ways and have them reinforced through practical experience in a variety of challenging situations throughout their five to seven years with the programme.
Our programme includes the excellent Gem Journey – a preventative Psychosocial Storytelling Intervention that aids identity acquisition and healthy emotional development and gives students a framework from which to base positive life choices. We have integrated ‘Gems’ into the programme in all our schools so that all our students take the journey.
During 2019/20, we had 245 students on our programme. We could rattle off a load of stats, (see our annual report here) but it’s best you hear it from one of our students:
“I love that I feel like I’m part of something strong & loving in The Rising Foundation. I’ve learned that people can change for the better when given an opportunity and if they have people there to support them. I am definitely not the same person I was when I first joined TRF.”
In 2009 Te Roopu Kakano (TRK) was formed and caught the eye of John Bongard who had been seeking a programme that would make a real difference in the lives of the talented and overlooked youth in South Auckland and would serve as a model for impacting communities in a grassroots and uniquely kiwi way. TRK became The Rising Foundation and has grown into the comprehensive and sophisticated identity and leadership programme it is today.
The original Board was appointed and The Rising Foundation was formed and officially registered as an incorporated society in December 2010 and registered as a charity by February 2011 since then 2000+ young people and their families have been strengthened and equipped, ready to embrace healthier futures.
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