Ākonga Youth Development Community Fund - Budget 2023

Supporting at-risk ākonga and young people to strengthen their resilience to achieve better pathways for success - Wellbeing Budget 2023 

This initiative continues funding for youth development providers delivering support for at-risk ākonga and young people.

The Government is investing $12.200 million over two years ($6.100 million each year) in continued funding for youth development providers to deliver targeted support for 3,250 at-risk ākonga and young people aged 12 to 24 years annually.

• Each year Budget 2023 funding will support:
  • 2,750 at-risk ākonga to access culturally appropriate programmes delivered by community-based organisations, including local Iwi.
  • Up to 500 young people to receive early support to prevent the escalation of mental health and wellbeing issues.
  • Upskilling at least 100 young volunteer Kaimahi in good-practice youth development and youth mentoring and to gain relevant work-related experience.
  • The administration of the Ākonga Youth Development Community Fund.
• The current challenges, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the recent weather events, increased demand from young people for mental health and wellbeing support and the rising cost of living, are adversely affecting the wellbeing of young people, resulting in disengagement from learning and their communities.
• Overall expected outcomes for young people from the Budget 2023 funding include: 

  Ākonga Youth Development Community Fund

  • Increased level of engagement in their learning and aspiration for their future, or transitioning to further training or employment.
  • Strengthened connections with whānau, iwi, community and other support services including schools, health, and youth services.
  • Increased confidence in their learning environments (aged 12 to 15 years) or a clear plan for their future (aged 16 to 21 years).

  Early support for vulnerable young people

  • Improved mental wellbeing and strengthened connections.

  Young volunteer Kaimahi

  • Increased number of capable personnel delivering youth development, youth mentoring, and basic youth counselling.
  • Increased number of young people supported to volunteer in their community.