New funding boost for Youth Development Voyages

The R. Tucker Thompson has finalised dates for their 2021 youth voyages and is releasing these to schools, kura and other community groups working with youth in the Taitokerau Northland Community.

This year, the Trust has been supported with a significant grant from Foundation North, which will enable 75 taitamariki (youth) to get on board at a significantly reduced rate. This coupled with the ongoing support of a small pool of donors, means that the Trust is optimistic that despite the impact of the pandemic, they will be able to maintain their highly successful youth development programmes this year.

“To be honest, the grant couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Executive Trustee Jane Hindle. “Like many of the tourism operators in the Bay, our tourism earnings have been decimated due to the borders being closed. But with this grant, we are in the fortunate position that we can continue to provide funding for many of our whanau who we know simply aren’t able to pay the normal fee.”

The Trust is seeking applications not just for the Foundation North places, but also other voyage places, many of which also have sponsorship and funding available.

“We want to ensure that those who need financial support the most are allocated the Foundation North funded places, but would encourage others to apply indicating what they can afford,” said Hindle. “Often we have smaller grants and subsidies that we can provide to trainees that significantly reduce the cost.”

The grant from Foundation North is for two years and will cover around one third of the 200 places available each year. The Trust is encouraging people to register their interest early for places to ensure they don’t miss out on this funding.

n Anyone interested in making a donation to sponsor some of the remaining places should contact the Trust. For youth voyage details go to tucker.co.nz/youth-leadership-voyages/7-day-voyages/

Sponsorship and funding provides subsidised development programmes for youth on the R. Tucker Thompson. PHOTO/SUPPLIED