In Term 2, 2024, Youth Encounter had the pleasure of working alongside Zayn, an incredible young man who wants to see change in his future. In the face of profound emotional challenges and enduring behavioural struggles, Zayn's journey with Youth Encounter stands as a testament to the transformative power of personalized therapy and dedicated support. Before engaging with Youth Encounter, Zayn grappled with significant obstacles of mental health, including unmanaged ADHD, anger issues, and a history of vandalism, bullying, violence, and offending. Zayn also faced identity issues related to his whakapapa, which compounded his struggles and hindered his personal growth.
During an 8-week period, Zayn embarked on a deeply transformative journey with Youth Encounter through personalized one-on-one dirt bike therapy sessions. What made this experience unique for Zayn was the power of genuine connection—both to the staff and to himself. The sessions were not only tailored to address his specific needs but also fostered a strong bond of trust, allowing Zayn to feel seen and understood in a way he hadn’t before. The program focused on cultivating the emotional growth and personal empowerment Zayn desperately needed, building a sense of belonging that had long been absent in his life.
At the heart of Zayn's transformation was the integration of the Live Life Wide Open Track, a framework that gave him a clear pathway to explore and redefine his potential. Each module of the track was not just a step forward in his progress but a key to unlocking his ability to connect—both with others and with his own sense of identity. This framework facilitated a deep sense of connection, personal responsibility, and growth, nurturing Zayn’s resilience and creating space for him to celebrate small victories along the way.
Throughout the program, Zayn learned strategies to cope with emotional distress, grow in self-belief and confidence, develop positive social skills, and explore his potential in a supportive and safe environment. Despite ongoing challenges, including social anxiety and a tendency towards impulsive decisions, engaging with empathetic individuals who actively listened and understood his struggles profoundly benefited Zayn. He set and achieved personal goals, such as reducing his vaping, and showed remarkable determination and self-control. For instance, he chose not to engage in a street fight and overcame social anxiety to participate in activities at the marae, guided by his values of self-control and courage. Zayn expressed that understanding and applying his values helped him manage his impulsive decisions and anger.
By the conclusion of the term, Zayn demonstrated remarkable personal progress, defying the odds presented by his challenging past and circumstances. He exhibited resilience, bravery, and a deep caring nature beyond the protective façade he once hid behind. Therapy also provided Zayn with a valuable outlet for expressing and processing the heavy emotions he had been carrying.
He reported that the support from Youth Encounter allowed him to belong to a positive community where he could create friendships and engage in positive activities. As Zayn said,
"Encounter is the only place I experience joy and are really happy."
Youth Encounter became a place of safety and connection for Zayn. His journey is a testament to the transformative impact of dedicated support and the inherent resilience within each individual, waiting to be unleashed and embraced. His engagement with Youth Encounter was guided by our Theory of Change, the Live Life Wide Open Track, starting with connection. This has laid a solid foundation for ongoing personal development, underscoring his capacity for growth and resilience despite adversity.
Looking ahead, Zayn will continue to engage in mentoring to support his positive life choices and adherence to his values. His journey with Youth Encounter has enable him to connect with himself and others around him. He now has the confident to step into his potential and look forward to a brighter future with hope. We are excited to see what lies ahead for Zayn as he continues to embrace his incredible potential. We will miss having his vibrant energy around each week, but he knows he is now part of the Youth Encounter Whānau!
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