Recognising the need to develop passion among youths to allow them to progress is key to a multi-agency education programme underway in Matamata-Piako.

Eastern Waikato Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Rod Carpinter, says the ‘Te Whetu Rangatira' (Stars of the Future) program involves staff from Police, the Ministry of Education, Te Hauora O Ngati Haua and Starfish Social Services.

A new police programme is aimed at making youths progress themselves. Photo: File.

'It's based from the Starfish facility on Matamata's Firth St and the alternative education program kicked off on Monday,” explains Rod.

'We're focused on developing the participants, who come from Morrinsville, Te Aroha and Matamata, towards a sustainable future within our Matamata-Piako communities.”

Rod says the initial stages of the program are focusing on team building and establishing the vision and culture the collaborative working team have developed.

'This saw us conducting activities in central Matamata on Monday,” he adds, 'and we'll be working to develop the young people's passion which will then allow progression academically, socially and personally.

'Whanau and family values are an important facet of our program and the working team acknowledge that our youth are an important part of our community.

'Through community support we want to contribute to the sustainability of local businesses by providing young people with the right skills and attitude to contribute to our future workforce.”

Rod says alternative education initiatives had been a successful part of the Matamata-Piako education sector since 2001.

He says: 'Earlier programs were initially based in Matamata, then in Morrinsville, Mangateparu and now back in Matamata, so there's always been a strong community commitment to these initiatives.

'Currently we have 12 students enrolled with ‘Te Whetu Rangatira' striving to meet their challenge and achieve their passions.”