Teen programme recognised with award win

A philanthropic mentoring programme for teens scooped a top award at this year’s Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards.

Project K North Shore beat off strong competition to win the North Shore Times Excellence in Not For Profit Award.

Developed in 1995 by New Zealand mountaineer and adventurer Graeme Dingle, Project K is an innovative educational programme designed to build self-esteem and give life-direction to young New Zealanders. It combines proven strategies in working with youth into one cohesive programme including a three week Wilderness Adventure, a 10 day community challenge and a 12 month mentoring follow-up.

“The sustained impact this programme has had on its participants for over ten years is beyond imagining,” says General Manager Tim Draper. “The students not only achieve remarkable personal goals but they learn a process of goal-setting that remains with them a lifetime”.

In awarding the accolade, the judges recognised Project K’s focus on sustainable local activities and their recent assistance to establish the first international branch of Project K in Edinburgh.

“Not for profit groups are largely unrecognised but valuable contributors to the North Shore economy who need all the support they can get,” says Terry Hoskins, chief executive of Enterprise North Shore. “Project K provides an invaluable programme for teens, and it is fantastic to see their contribution rewarded.”

See all 2009 Award winners

For more information contact:

Ainslie Stevenson

Communications Administrator

Enterprise North Shore

Ph: (09) 414-1343; Mob: (027) 500 8592

E-mail: comms@ens.org.nz