Project K Youth Programme Mentor - Make a Difference
Graeme Dingle Foundation Canterbury managed by Volunteering Canterbury
Become a Project K Mentor in 2027
The Graeme Dingle Foundation works with Aotearoa New Zealand's tamariki and rangatahi at key stages of their development, partnering directly with schools and communities through our life-changing programmes. Established in 1995, we are proud to be one of New Zealand's leading child and youth development charities. Each year, our programmes support more than 36,000 young people across 10 regions throughout Aotearoa. Our vision is to make New Zealand the best place in the world to be young.
We are seeking volunteer mentors for a rewarding opportunity running from March to December 2027, working alongside young people aged 14-15 years. This opportunity is suitable for adults of all ages and is also ideal for students studying social work, health and wellbeing, psychology, education, health and nutrition, or related fields who may be looking to complete work placement hours during 2027.
Why Project K?
Through extensive ongoing research, we know that Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes:
-Improve attitudes and behaviour -Improve academic achievement -Help young people set and achieve goals -Boost self-confidence -Reduce truancy and other at-risk behaviours -Help young people feel more positive about their future
Project K is a youth development programme for Year 10 students from Hornby High School and Te Aratai College.
The programme begins with a challenging 17-day wilderness adventure, where students journey from the West Coast, cross mountain ranges, navigate rivers, and cycle back through their school gates on the final day. This experience helps students develop resilience, confidence, teamwork, and self-belief.
Following the wilderness journey, students participate in an ongoing mentoring programme from May to November 2027. Mentors meet regularly with their assigned mentee to provide guidance, encouragement, and support as they work towards achieving personal goals.
In addition to the mentoring relationship, mentors are expected to attend fortnightly Project K workshops held at the students' school during the school term. These workshops run on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm to 7.00pm and form an important part of the programme, helping mentors build stronger connections with both their mentee and the wider Project K group.
This journey is about showing young people that they can overcome challenges, encouraging them to believe in themselves, and supporting them to step outside their comfort zones and try new things.
At the end of the year, we celebrate with a special Project K Graduation, recognising all the hard work, growth, and achievements of the students throughout their journey.
Your influence can make a lasting difference in a young person's life, helping them discover their strengths, realise their potential, and develop a clearer sense of who they want to become.
If you have a passion for supporting rangatahi and would like to join the Graeme Dingle Foundation whānau, or if you would like to learn more about becoming a mentor, please contact:
Amy Little Programme Manager / STARS Coordinator 📧 [email protected] 📞 022 854 3746