One of the 12 young people awarded a $1500 Papakura Local Board scholarship will use the grant for optometry equipment, another for a socket set, torque wrench and spanners.
The optometry equipment is a first for the board, although it has supported a number of young people studying in other medical areas, from doctors and physios to nurses.
“It’s great to be able to help these young people as they pursue their futures, and the grant to a rangatahi who sees their future as a mechanic shows we are committed to helping our young people in manual careers too,” says Local Board chair Brent Catchpole.
The other 10 grants are all for laptops, course fees or related materials, but travel expenses continue to be listed as a cost applicants need support with.
“Auckland Transport’s $50 weekly fare cap helps, but it’s heart-breaking to think our young people might be forgoing chasing their dreams simply because they can’t afford to travel every day to their relevant tertiary provider,” Catchpole adds.
“We are aware travel was also a factor for many of the young people who were supported by our colleagues on the neighbouring Manurewa board too.”
A total of $17,000 was awarded to the 12 recipients.
“Our young people have challenged us in the past to work more effectively with them,” Catchpole says.
“These scholarships are a way of doing that, and while $1,500 – the maximum anyone can receive – might not seem like a life-changing amount of money, it could be the difference between being able to chase your dreams or not.”
Stay connected
Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.
