The Umma Trust Youth Development Project starting to fly support one to empower many

Objectives for this session Describe the main challenges for young Muslim people from refugee backgrounds growing up here in NZ Provide some information about the new Umma Trust Youth Development Project Provide an overview of the referral processes for wrap around support services Describe our priority people – and how you can help.

The Umma Trust Background Established in 2003 Umma means community in Arabic We provide social and community services for refugee and migrant communities with a specific focus on the wellbeing of Muslim women, children and their families who are socially and economically disadvantaged. We take a strengths based approach when supporting families and work in a holistic manner.

The Umma Trust Programmes Resilient Families Programmes Women's leadership programme May Road mothers group Mothers group for families with children with differing Abilities Women's enterprise Swimming programme Homework centres linked to The Umma Trust Children's holiday programme Halal food bank Learning to drive programme Social workers on site Volunteer programmes Youth development project

Challenges for Muslim young people Acceptance Identity - edgewalking Work Language barrier Discrimination

Youth Development Project Aim Young Muslim New Zealanders have a strong sense of belonging, positively contribute to society. Values All initiatives reflect The Umma Trust values – support one to empower many All initiatives take an intergenerational approach where parents and whanau are consulted at all levels.

Objectives The voice of young Muslim people is encouraged, heard, respected and central to the development of the project The needs of young Muslim people in Auckland will be explored and understood Young Muslim New Zealanders will be empowered to contribute positively to New Zealand society The Project is evidenced based, agile and responsive to ongoing programme evaluation

Strategies Establish a Youth Council Undertake a needs assessment Developing a youth focused action plan Establish early prevention and support for young people at risk of poor social outcomes Evaluate the project using agile and responsive evaluation mechanisms.

Starting to fly

Team - YDP

Our priority person “living, just breathing but they are blank behind their eyes” A ‘priority person’ can be defined as: A young person aged years old Has had changes in their usual patterns, school attendance, school grades, and attentiveness in class, mood, friends or physical appearance Is becoming isolated or is isolated from friends, family, sports, the mosque, community Has no dreams, no hobbies, not engaged in sports Not in employment, education or training (NEETS) Appears “lost, isolated or stuck” Has lost confidence in themselves, seems a little down or depressed Is from a refugee or migrant background.

Referral process Referral forms available Wrap around (insulation) services or call the Youth Development Project

Manu Pīrere = Fledgling Eagle Acknowledges the potential of youth and their ability to be future leaders

Contact Details Umma Trust Youth Development Project Programme Coordinator Melissa Rose Powell