Projects

		The Spirit of Adventure Trust The Spirit of Adventure Trust was established to provide the youth of New Zealand access to a character development programme through sail training. During the course of each voyage, the Trust aims to give young New Zealanders an equal opportunity to learn and develop from each other qualities of independence, understanding and community spirit.

Although the Trust is described as a "sail training organisation", the focus of learning for 'Trainees' (what all participants are called onboard) is on personal skills such as team work and communication.

Each year between 1000 and 1200 young people aged 15 - 19, from a wide range of ethnic and social backgrounds throughout the country participate in the Youth Development programme. In the past 30 years, fifty thousand young people have taken part.

Any young person aged between 15 - 19 years may apply for a space on the programme and this is what the NZ Foundation’s contribution of over $190,000 over the last 2 years has helped support. It has helped subsidise to the tune of $650 per person, the cost of a 10 day voyage for financially disadvantaged and at-risk trainees, as well as contributed to essential ship maintenance costs.

The Foundation supports the emphasis on leadership and achievement of personal goals that the Youth Development Programme promotes. Skills such as team work, independence, problem solving, motivation, public speaking, self confidence, community spirit, self esteem and over coming challenges are valued and encouraged just as much at Vodafone as they are at sea – life skills which help us all to fulfil our potential.

Some thoughts from trainees:

“I was able to make new friends and conquer my fear of heights ... at the end, I got the Jewellers Award for the Trainee who demonstrates outstanding endeavour and personal growth throughout the voyage along with some really good friends and memories of an awesome trip ... I would do it again if given the chance as it has taught me how to work as a team, what I am capable of, and that respect is important along with friendship.” Martin Paurini, Wellington (Voyage 397)

“At the beginning of the voyage I had no doubts that I would have an unforgettable time, but I had no idea that I would have as much fun as I did. I cam away with three certificates (one of them was the chundering award), heaps of new friends and ten days of my life that I will never forget. “ Rachel Fenemore, Motueka (Voyage 386 December 02)

The Foundation’s support of one of New Zealand’s best known youth development charities goes beyond financial. In 2003 ten Vodafone staff volunteered for positions as Assistant Watch Leaders on board 10-day youth development voyages. The Assistant Watch Leader’s role is that of mentor and guide, helping the teenage crew come to grips with sailing the ship, being a role model in terms of behaviour, showing leadership skills and assisting with the building of the team – no small task! And despite some freezing temperatures, fear filled challenges and feisty trainees, the Vodafone volunteers survived to tell the story (and even volunteer again). Read more