Te Moana o te Aroha was a collaboration with young people attending Target Alternative Education Centre in Henderson, West Auckland. Over two school terms, students creatively renovated two spaces at Target. A grim-looking, graffiti-covered, cigarette-butted alleyway which people used as a space in which to smoke and “do their naughty stuff” was transformed into colourful cared-for space where students hung out during breaks, rather than wander the town centre and get into trouble. A little used drab indoor space with boarded up windows was transformed into a bright and breezy classroom for creative ventures.

 

The project was transformational in building positive relationships, growing leadership skills, and supporting students’ overall educational engagement and achievements.