Responsibility

In this program, participants learn to take responsibility for themselves, and to hold others responsible in ways that benefit everyone concerned. The program looks at responsibility as something other than getting in trouble or being made wrong. It is an opportunity, in a safe environment to learn from mistakes-not run from them.

What unfolds is a new perspective with regard to "choice". Just because we don’t like the choices we have doesn’t mean that we don’t have a choice. Each of us has choices in how we respond to what happens in our lives and taking responsibility for that means taking control. Where this begins to show up is with school attendance and grade improvement. This also transfers to the work place and home with the participants having less conflict and better understanding of what is required of them in these situations. An increase in communication skills with others, and a stronger level of self-confidence allows them to see where they can be more responsible.

Respect

The participants are provided with an opportunity to learn about respect and how it impacts themselves and others. The Manaia approach allows them to understand that respecting themselves is as important as respecting others. They are given the opportunity to look at what gets in the way of respect, allowing them to interact with their peers in a way that is mindful and appreciative. The level of trust in each other begins to rise. For some, it is the first time in a long time they allow themselves to trust others. It also affords them the opportunity to look at the judgments they have about themselves and others, and how those judgments keep them from connecting with others. They learn that by giving respect to others, they open the door to getting the respect they desire. Respect becomes the foundation for creating new and meaningful relationships with their peers, family and community. Participants leave feeling closer to each other and the adults within the group. They have less fear of being judged and so are more willing to ask for help. By having the opportunity to experience this important aspect of themselves, participants see that with respect comes an increase in personal confidence and accountability.

Community

With their permission, participants are challenged by the group in their thinking and held responsible for their words and actions throughout the program. Beliefs that keep us apart are studied and we focus on what is common to us all so that the participants start to connect with each other. When validated and respected, they begin to feel as though they belong to the group. They care about each other and reach out to create new friendships. When one feels as though they belong or fit in, they are free to focus on other areas of their life. Participants begin to accept and feel accepted by their peers and the adults in the group. Many participants find their circle of friends increases and they become more active in other groups such as sports, drama, or social events.

Life-Skills

The program assists the participants in developing tools that they can remember and use in the future. Rather than one answer for their situation, participants are given a range of possibilities. They are free to choose what will work best for them in each individual situation. Each of us is different and we recognize that as individuals we will deal with our circumstances differently, and there is no single answer. Valuable life-skills such as listening, language skills, recognition of other points of view, conflict resolution and goal-setting are all attained within the program. Self-esteem and self-expression are improved through participation in the program. Participants feel better about themselves and they express themselves in more powerful ways both physically and verbally. With the tools they have created for themselves, the participants feel more equipped to deal with the challenges that face them on a daily basis.

Benefits to Your Organization

After a Manaia program, organizations are left with a group of young people who are more open to the services they have to offer. The connection between the youth and the adults is stronger and the understanding of each other’s needs is clearer. Both youth and adults can move quickly in finding the solutions to whatever problems are presented. This reduces the time spent with clients and allows the services offered to be fully understood and used. A win/win situation is set up and both parties have their needs met.

When the program is delivered within the school system, both teachers and students have found they are more comfortable with each other because they understand each other’s point of view. This is also true for relationships between students. Conflict is reduced, as all concerned are more open and willing to resolve the problems that arise.

Manaia as an organization that believes in building bridges between the different organizations that serve youth in our community. We believe in the sharing of information and working with as many organizations as possible so as to better serve all youth. We wish to work alongside and support what is already in place and be a part of the good work that is already being done.