Emphasis is put on discipline and teamwork.
Where ATAWHAI is concerned discipline is any training intended to produce a specific character or pattern of behaviour, especially training that produces moral, physical, or mental development in a particular direction.
The ATAWHAI programme often requires that young people work together to accomplish common goals; therefore, teamwork is an important element of the programme.
Effective collaborative skills are necessary to work well in a team environment. ATAWHAI attempts to enhance young people’s collaborative efforts through training and support to help them effectively work together and accomplish shared outcomes.
The intention is to educate and give choices to young people, instil discipline and self-esteem and encourage them to look and listen before they act.
What do the participants achieve?
The nine week course gets progressively more physically demanding – finishing after the eighth week with a graduation day which is aptly named ‘The Longest Day’. During ‘The Longest Day’ young people achieve physical goals as individuals and as team members. In the process they build team cohesion and spirit and an awareness of outdoor pursuits.
The Longest Day ends with a graduation dinner where caregivers are invited to share a meal and watch as participants receive their certificates of completion.
