The Project K experience

Project K, founded in 1995 by New Zealanders Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson, is a Foundation for Youth Development programme designed to inspire 14-15-year-olds to maximise their full potential. Through the 14-month programme that consists of three core components, Wilderness Adventure, Community Challenge and Mentoring, students learn:

Self-reliance
Team building
Self-confidence
Perseverance
Goal setting
Good health and life skills

The unique Project K process was developed in consultation with leading educationalists and youth workers and is a catalyst for positive change. Students do not pay to take part in the programme.

Project K works

A 2007 Ministry of Social Development evaluation of Project K showed:

Project K students had greater improvements in self-efficacy compared to controls. These improvements were maintained one year after the programme.
Increased self-efficacy (an individuals estimate or personal judgement of his or her own ability to succeed in reaching a specific goal) for all Project K students, with Maori, male and low-decile students benefiting the most.
Maori Project K students had significantly higher average total NCEA credits than controls.

Click here to read more about the evaluation.

"Because of Project K I was able to develop a sense of self-worth and a deeper sense of appreciation for the things that I have, am, and will be achieving." Project K Graduate