Jill Taylor with the giant Jenga set Te Awamutu Menzshed members made for the youth group.
A Te Awamutu youth group aimed at helping intermediate-aged attendees establish the building blocks “friendship and connection” has had something else built for it.
Te Awamutu Menzshed members have answered the call from the group’s coordinator Jill Taylor asking for a handmade wooden giant Jenga set which could be used at the group.
Unique carry boxes have also been crafted in which the game’s large pieces can be transported.
Jill – a Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board member – established the youth group at the beginning of last year, though she said it’s not specifically a board initiative.
In 2022, the programme focussed on sport and fitness activities – including indoor basketball at Te Awamutu Rugby Sports and Recreation Club.
This year, Jill said, there have been further developments, with plans underway to design – and then bring to life – several murals next term which could then be placed around town.
Open to intermediate-aged students between 10 and 15 and held on both Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons each week. Up to 35 young people have been coming along.
Tuesday sessions are held at Te Awamutu Croquet Club, the Wednesdays remain at Te Awamutu Sports.
Jill’s “quite happy” if demand drives requests for more days of the week.
“What prompted me,” she said of her reasoning behind establishing the group, “was the fact that while there are quite a few activities young people can choose from in town, many cost money and not everyone can afford them.”
So, the free activities youth group attendees have undertaken to date were established thanks to a canvas of Te Awamutu Intermediate School students asking them what after school activities they’d like to have available in town.
“Both last year and this year, we’ve had students come along who perhaps initially weren’t sure where they fit in, or who didn’t know how to relate to others.
“In time, it’s been wonderful to see them forming new friendships – now they tell me they can’t wait to come along each week.”
To date, Jill said she’s been grateful for the support of community groups like Altrusa International of Te Awamutu, whose membership has helped her purchase certain items the group has needed.
Looking ahead, Jill’s keen to hear from anyone who might be able to voluntarily help her facilitate the group leadership wise.
She’s also added things like an indoor cricket set to her wish list.
