Prime Minister’s Youth Programme comes to AUT
20 young women, participants in the 2014 Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, took part in a ‘market to table’ experience hosted at AUT’s Four Seasons restaurant this week.
Mentoring and Inspiration
Senior lecturers from the School of Hospitality and Tourism volunteered their time to give the young women an experience of the art of cooking and table service. While they enjoyed the resulting three course meal with their mentors, the young women listened to inspirational speeches from AUT culinary arts students and Pasifika Student Support Advisor Isabella Rasch.
The kitchen experience was arranged by TYLA (Turn Your Life Around) as part of a tailored week-long programme for the group of young women. Other activities include a visit to shoe designer Kathryn Wilson, a design workshop at Saatchi & Saatchi and a programme dinner for all 100 participants in the youth programme at the Vodafone Events Centre.
Seeing new opportunities
John Kelly, AUT’s head of culinary arts says: “The young women had bounds of energy and an eagerness to learn from professional culinarians. I really enjoy attending this lunch as it is so apparent that the experience these youngsters have been part of today really does provide them with new opportunities to consider, in making important life changing decisions.”
AUT senior lecturer in culinary arts, Gina Harrap worked with the group on the front of house aspect of the lunch: “It is such a privilege to work with the TYLA girls and help them to gain confidence in themselves and their futures. Their enthusiasm and willingness to do anything and have a go is lovely to see,” says Harrap.
Prime Minister's Youth Programme
The 2014 Prime Minister’s Youth Programme runs from Monday 20 January to Friday 24 January. It is designed to foster and celebrate achievement for young people aged 14 to 17 years who have overcome challenges and made positive changes in their lives.
The 100 teenagers taking part in the 2014 programme were nominated by their schools, Police, Child Youth and Family and community leaders. The teenagers are split into four groups, with each group enjoying a tailored week-long programme of activities co-ordinated by a different community organisation.
More information about the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme
View AUT's Facebook album of the 2014 ‘market to table’ day at AUT University.