Budding lawyers, builders, company directors, nurses and community leaders are among recipients of the first ever Papakura Local Board Youth Scholarships.
Introduced this year, the scholarships – of up to $2000 – are for 16- to 24-year-olds undertaking leadership training or vocational and tertiary study in 2016.
It is one of several local board initiatives to lift opportunities for youth and employment in the area.
Daryn Govender and Josephine Ormsby are among the inaugural recipients – two young people with an impressive work ethic and commitment to helping in their community.
Building his future
A student at the University of Auckland, Daryn Govender is part-way through conjoint civil engineering and commerce degrees.
“They’re both fields I’ve always been interested in, so I could go either way in terms of a career and with the amount of infrastructure and construction going on in Auckland, it gives me options,” says the Rosehill College old boy.
The 21-year-old was delighted to get the scholarship, which enabled him to participate in a company director’s course recently.
“As well as studying, I am a co-opted member on the Board of Trustees at Rosehill College, and on its property and finance committees, and the course would help me enhance my governance skills and get a better understanding of best practice.”
And while one of the youngest on the course, attended mainly by company CEOs, Daryn says it was a valuable experience.
“I learnt a lot. That’s why I am so grateful for the support by the local board through this scholarship – it would have been a struggle to go otherwise.”
Daryn has lived in Papakura most of his life and is also a board member of the free legal service YouthLaw Aotearoa.
Dedicated to her community
Josephine Ormsby is a Papakura girl born and raised – and proud of it.
“I’ve seen the community go through ups and downs but I could not imagine being brought up anywhere else,” says the 24-year-old.
The University of Auckland law student and Bachelor of Commerce graduate is keen to put her skills to good use to help the people of her community.
“I’d love to be able to help local businesses for example, particularly Māori and Pacific businesses, to reach their potential.
“Many start out as great ideas and with passion, but they don’t always understand or are even aware of the regulatory aspects of running a business, and that is somewhere I think I can add value.”
Of Māori and Tongan heritage, Josephine went to Kelvin Road Primary School before continuing her education at Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuawe, and has been involved in events at Papakura Marae.
She also mentors local students to help them prepare for the transition from high school to tertiary education.
“I know for me when I first started at uni it was a real culture shock and for a lot of people it’s too much to handle so they walk away, so I want to people survive those first few months and stick with it.”
Josephine is using the scholarship to help with travel expenses and books.
“Every little bit helps and it’s great to see the local board supporting local youth through the scholarships.”
2016 Papakura Local Board Youth Scholarship recipients are: Jaedn Benson, Daryn Govender, Corbyn McGuire, Annemarie Schenk, Ellie Schick, Katy Condon, Katherine Biggelaar, Mei Theng Kong, Josephine Ormsby, Joshua Shackleton, Jake Dyer, Logan Rout, Anahera Leaf, Dylan Walters, Courtney Church, Brockson Brown, Alana Berry and Rachael Biggelaar.
