This was another huge and successful year for Zeal Kāpiti. Even with lockdown challenges, close to 90 students attended programmes. We continued with photography and graphic design and introduced a new barista programme. We’ve also just kicked off FREE Hip hop workshops in Ōtaki. Classes are split between ages 11-15, and 16-18.
3 Types of Barista courses include
Creative Barista workshops
Young people learn the art of coffee during the afternoon.
Gateway Barista workshops
In collaboration with Ōtaki college and Kāpiti college, Zeal Kāpiti tutors young people through our coffee cart during school hours. Here students learn how to make coffee and gain 20 NCEA credits.
Ākonga Barista
Funded by the Ministry of Youth. Here young people are given paid barista work experience while they learn to make coffee, receive one on one mentoring and are offered 20 NCEA credits. Work experience was offered through the Zeal coffee cart and local businesses ‘The Oasis’, ‘The Lock Up’, ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Sunday Cantina’.
Programmes aren’t only about helping rangatahi build skills to thrive as young adults. Zeal Kāpiti Programme Coordinator / Youth Worker, Monique, took the time to connect with young people, make sure the space was fun and supportive, and that rangatahi were nurtured even after sessions had finished.
A highlight this year was seeing the 'Ākonga Barista' students grow. The difference between them coming in, and when they leave is massive. To others it might not seem like massive change but to us it is. It’s particularly cool to see our students then entering the workforce and using their skills even after the programme has finished.
They always want to help and always manage to get a smile out of me if I'm not having a good day.
Hopes for next year
Watch this space! Zeal Kāpiti hopes for even bigger and better programmes. We’ve got our fingers crossed for no more lockdowns and look forward to showing you what we’ve got planned in the new year!
Special thanks
To Kāpiti Coast District Council, MYD Ākonga Youth Development Community Fund, Ngā wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Fund, Wellington Community Trust and Waikanae Lions Club. Because of your help, we were able to achieve and support more young people through Zeal Kāpiti programmes.
Want to get amongst?
If you are keen to get involved, or know someone who would benefit from these programmes, hit us up below!
