Shirley Allan and Youth Performance Trust

As one of the founders of the Youth Performance Trust, Shirley Allan plans to spend her World of Difference year working to find ways to extend the role of the Trust in her local community.

The Trust, which exists to provide development opportunities for young Maori and Pacific people, uses performing arts and sports as a way to engage and develop disadvantaged youth.

Shirley believes that regardless of a young persons' environment or background they all have the capacity to succeed, they just need to know there are adults who will support them and genuinely care about their future.

 "Our approach is simple, and strengths based. Our kids don't need us to fix things for them. They just need room to make their own mistakes and a safe place so they can figure out the best way to fix it themselves. Our job as adults is to provide that safe space."

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Shirley Allan's monthly diaries