“Roots of Empathy” (ROE) is a classroom-based programme that addresses ways to prevent children from violent and anti social behaiviour by being empathetic towards each other. ROE instructors visit children’s classrooms two times a month to teach children various lessons on knowledge about emotions and social understanding. To reinforce these teachings, a parent and their young baby make visits to the classroom. During this time, children learn about the baby’s growth and development by interaction with the baby. As a result, children learn to care for the baby and thus for each other.

ROE is being implemented by the Foundation for Peace Studies (Peace Foundation) a not-for profit organisation actively involved in creating a more peaceful society in New Zealand.
For more information about the Peace Foundation, visit the official website: http://www.peace.net.nz/

Upstart

Upstart is a rights based magazine published by Syrup Creative for children aged 7-12. It aims to inform, enrich, enthuse and empower young people encouraging full, productive, enjoyable lives, with respect and care for selves, and others. The content focuses on children’s lives, ideas, aspirations and challenges. Upstart also engages with young children that are “missed out” by the media, such as children with learning disabilities or children with English as a second language.

Save the Children New Zealand supports Upstart because it presents a platform on which to engage children in learning about their rights and responsibilities in a non-threatening and less formal environment. The participatory nature of the project encourages children to voice their opinions, share their vision, question and take an interest in the world around them.

For more information check out: http://www.upstartmag.co.nz/

The Outlook for Someday

The Outlook for Someday project is a film challenge for young New Zealanders up to the age of 20. Each participant of the project made a short film about how New Zealanders see their future unfolding, looking through the lens of sustainability.

Participants were also asked to nominate a New Zealander who they would like to watch their film and take up its challenge; choices varied from a celebrity, sports hero, politician, or local business person. Selected film makers will show their films to their nominated viewers in a primetime documentary on Maori Television, shown in March 2008.

Save the Children supports the Outlook for Someday because the project respects the voice of children and young people and challenges them and adults to work together on matters of common concern. The project also promotes critical thinking skills and allows children and young people to analyse issues in their own lives linking personal experiences to local and global communities.

A panel of judges selected the top twenty films and the public is invited to vote for the top five.
Visit the Outlook for Someday website and vote now: http://www.theoutlookforsomeday.net

The Next: promoting interest-based learning

In partnership with the Global Education Centre, Save the Children New Zealand has funded the development of an interest-based learning resource that uses Hip Hop as a tool to encourage social change.

The resource, developed by the Hip Hop community, young people and youth workers, is called The Next: an impression of Hip Hop expression. It was launched on 7 September 2005 - marking the end of an intensive 2-year project. The Next aims to eliminate negative stereotypes associated with Hip Hop and provide youth workers with the knowledge and tools to encourage young people to explore relevant local and global issues.

Save the Children is proud to support The Next as a good example for youth participation. Our work across the world demonstrates that interest-based learning practices promote participation which generates confidence and skills that empower young people to make positive life choices.

For more information about The Next, visit the official website: www.thenext.org.nz

For more information about the projects that Save the Children New Zealand supports,
call Mercy Jumo at National Office: phone 04 381 7585
or email her mercy.jumo@savethechildren.org.nz