Former league player Jay Pukepuke has dedicated his life to supporting young people.
With his unique programme, Bros for Change, he's helping troubled youth face the future with confidence and determination.
The programme was founded in 2015 and aims to expose rangatahi to as many experiences as possible so they can discover their talents, Pukepuke said.
Pukepuke said he used his life experience - which included a stint in prison - to try and motivate young people.
“Coming out and having an opportunity to realise a lifetime dream, I wanted to [make sure] if other kids had that opportunity, I wanted to make sure they hadn’t made that mistake.”
He said he wanted to teach young people that no matter what people say about them, they could be ambitious.
Those who take the programme say they’re taught life skills, how to manage themselves under pressure, and are encouraged to connect with their families.
The 20 week-long programme is currently run in Christchurch and Kaikōura, with plans underway for it to be run in Blenheim.
SHARE ME