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The Henderson Workshop came out of a concern by local churches in Henderson several years ago to provide for young people who would benefit from one-on-one mentoring. We partner with local schools to provide a great experience where young people are able to use their hands to build a project and learn some valuable life lessons on the way.
Contact the Workshop Manager if you'd like more information: Chris Ellwood: [email protected] |
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The founder of The Henderson Workshop, Chris Ellwood, discovered, as a teacher and dorm parent at a boarding school in India, that boys were not the best communicators. In face to face situations things can degenerate to angry words and shrugging helplessness. He found that the best conversations happened when the young person was not on the subject. True connection and learning occurred when a young person and mentor, worked side by side on a project.
The terrible day
One day in 2014 a terrible event occurred in the town of Henderson. The dairy owner of the Railside Dairy was stabbed by a then 13 year old. Many were shocked and as a result a group of West Auckland Church ministers decided to try and do something to help address the growing numbers of youth at risk.
An idea was birthed
What if a woodwork shop was set up to bring good men and women from the Church together with vulnerable young men and women for mentoring?
Could this be a tool to make a difference and be part of the answer in our
community?
The terrible day
One day in 2014 a terrible event occurred in the town of Henderson. The dairy owner of the Railside Dairy was stabbed by a then 13 year old. Many were shocked and as a result a group of West Auckland Church ministers decided to try and do something to help address the growing numbers of youth at risk.
An idea was birthed
What if a woodwork shop was set up to bring good men and women from the Church together with vulnerable young men and women for mentoring?
Could this be a tool to make a difference and be part of the answer in our
community?
In the workshops boys have been learning how to work with wood, whilst being mentored one on one with men who cherish the ability to pass on their skills. Time and time again we are seeing the uncertain beginnings with stuck saws, bent nails slowly change as confidence builds. Working alongside these mentors, the students thrive in an atmosphere where they are encouraged and affirmed.
How it works
The students arrive at the workshop to begin their 90min programme. They are greeted by the volunteers then a reading is taken from the Bible, questions are encouraged with often lively discussions following. Life is tough sometimes and reading from the Bible can give us a bigger picture of the world when a person’s life vision sometimes becomes very narrow.
Projects completed to date include bird houses, tool boxes, stools, tables and pinball games. These projects the students get to keep and take home, where they are shown with pride of their personal achievement, to their families. The students sense of satisfaction is great.
Who has been involved so far
Five schools have been sending students to be part of this programme. Over 16 volunteers with different backgrounds and experiences. These volunteers, whilst not trained teachers, are willing and keen to show, share their hands on skills with the students.
How it works
The students arrive at the workshop to begin their 90min programme. They are greeted by the volunteers then a reading is taken from the Bible, questions are encouraged with often lively discussions following. Life is tough sometimes and reading from the Bible can give us a bigger picture of the world when a person’s life vision sometimes becomes very narrow.
Projects completed to date include bird houses, tool boxes, stools, tables and pinball games. These projects the students get to keep and take home, where they are shown with pride of their personal achievement, to their families. The students sense of satisfaction is great.
Who has been involved so far
Five schools have been sending students to be part of this programme. Over 16 volunteers with different backgrounds and experiences. These volunteers, whilst not trained teachers, are willing and keen to show, share their hands on skills with the students.
Our vision is to increase the number of students participating in these workshops to 36 this year. We plan to extend this programme to accommodate girls.
We know many boys have grown in confidence because a mentor took the time to share their skill and by doing this showing that they care. We want this scenario to multiply, to do this we need volunteers, both men and women, to mentor and share their life skills and workshop skills with these students.
We are most keen for you to come and try out the experience first.
The commitment required would be for two hours once a week during the school terms at local venues.
We know many boys have grown in confidence because a mentor took the time to share their skill and by doing this showing that they care. We want this scenario to multiply, to do this we need volunteers, both men and women, to mentor and share their life skills and workshop skills with these students.
We are most keen for you to come and try out the experience first.
The commitment required would be for two hours once a week during the school terms at local venues.
Want to get involved?If volunteering sounds right up your alley, or you'd like to know more, complete the contact form and your information will be sent directly to Chris.
If you're not the wood working type, but you'd still like to offer support, would you consider one of the following? One off donation, monthly programme support or student monthly sponsorship. Get in touch and let Chris know how you can help. |
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We'd like to thank our sponsors who help make this possible...
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