Ruia Fund Baseline Evaluation
Project Background
The RUIA fund is a youth initiative that was created to support rangatahi wellbeing, intergenerational leadership, succession planning and cultural development. RUIA is the outcome of a relationship between a Whānau Ora Commissioning agency - Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu ; a philanthropic organisation, the Rātā Foundation ; and government, Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi – The Ministry for Youth Development.
Between October 2020 and April 2021, 16 initiatives were resourced through the RUIA Fund. In this six month period approximately 700 rangatahi participated in initiatives. Activities included wānanga, hui, exhibitions, noho marae, field trips, gym and boxing sessions and a Kapa Haka festival. This work was supported by approximately 50 kaimahi as well as a large number of volunteers.
“Our shared commitment to RUIA is driven, fundamentally, by the whakataukī : “E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea – I will never be lost, for I am a seed sown by Rangiātea.” While the whakataukī of course refers to the tribal homeland of Rangiātea, it also represents a "clear spiritual realm," or "a state of enlightenment." I love the fact that originally four funders - Ministry of Youth Development – Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi; Rātā Foundation; Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu and Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu – came together to foster the growth and wellbeing of our young leaders.”
-Pouārahi Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
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