A Fun Break for Young People
School holidays will be a lot more fun for young people who don’t normally access holiday activities through the newly announced Break-Away School Holiday Programme.
The new initiative, announced by the Prime Minister on 26 August 2009, will provide up to 30,000 places for young people, aged 11-17, who live in areas with limited options for positive things to do in the school holidays. In the first year to June 2010, 15,000 places will be available starting January 2010.
Minister of Social Development, Paula Bennett, said the programmes will provide children who do not normally have access to fun and constructive activities in the school holidays with something positive to do.
"We know research shows taking part in positive activities can help improve engagement at school and give young people an alternative to less desirable behaviours," she said.
The new programmes will be delivered at a local level and will offer activities that appeal to young people in these communities.
Most programmes will be based around a physical activity although a range of other activities will also be offered such as drama, dancing, and art depending on local demand.
The programmes will be provided by community organisations, especially those with a physical activity and recreation focus. Providers will be selected by a tender process which opens on 28 September and closes 16 October. The tender documents can be downloaded on the Government Electronic Tenders Service website.
For more information, visit the Break-Away School Holiday Programme.
