Storm Waka Program Returns for April School Holidays

The Storm Waka Program, following its successful debut in January, is set to make a return this April during the school holidays, specifically targeting the Hume region.

This initiative aims to foster cultural engagement and skill development among young people from Māori and Pasifika backgrounds.

Scheduled across two weeks, the program will cater to different age groups as follows:

Week 1: Targeting participants aged 12 to 14, sessions will occur from April 7-9.

Week 2: Designed for those aged 15 to 17, sessions will take place from April 16-18.

The January launch saw a commendable turnout of 53 young participants, ranging from ages 10 to 18, who joined the program over three days hosted at the Casey Warriors Rugby League Club.

The event showcased a variety of activities including a Māori haka workshop facilitated by local group Nga Matai Purua, a session on traditional Samoan song-learning, daily meals from Pasifika catering services, and numerous rugby league skills and games.

Commenting on the program, Storm head of community, Oscar Anderson, said: “The program in Casey was a huge success, with three days of fantastic workshops and activities, encouraging participants to engage with Māori and Pacific Island culture, learn new skills and focus on important themes such as resilience, leadership, empathy, and identifying their values.”

“We’re excited to be able to build on that success from January and take the Storm Waka program to the north-east this month,” he said.

This new educational initiative is supported by the Victorian Government Department of Education and in partnership with the Centre of Multicultural Youth (CMY) and the Le Mana Pasifika Project.

The Storm Waka Program aims to equip young participants with essential life skills, promoting resilience, leadership, empathy, and self-identity. Activities have been adapted from the NRL’s successful ‘In League In Harmony’ program to ensure relevance and engagement.

Additionally, the program will offer workshops dedicated to celebrating the diverse Pasifika cultures, collaborating with local community organisations.

Engaging ice-breaker games and youth-centric activities will also form an integral part of the experience, including rugby league drills designed to foster teamwork and enjoyment.

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