Back to our programmes
Drive Outwest
We are passionate about helping young people reach their full potential and gaining a driver’s licence is an important aspect of this.
Particularly in a rural region such as ours, a driver's licence is vital for getting to work, accessing training opportunities and participating in social and recreational activities. For some, it is also their only proof of identification enabling them to enter into formal contracts such as a tenancy agreement.
The NZ graduated licencing system takes at least 18 months, it is expensive and can be rather daunting. Our Drive Outwest programme works alongside youth and others in the community throughout the process. We offer regular learner licence courses and one-on-one tuition and we have a driving instructor on staff to provide lessons for those preparing for their restricted and full licence tests.
The Outwest team helped me and everyone else in the group learn about the road code, then you took us to go and get our licences. To be honest, I don’t think I would have got my licence right then and there if it wasn’t for you.
Mania, 16Stories
Communication Unlocked: Tim’s Transformation Through Alternative Education and Technology
In the midst of school dropouts and a global pandemic, Tim found a lifeline in alternative education and a simple phone. Discover how this one device transformed his educational journey and rekindled his family connections.…
Beating the Odds: A Triumph on the Road to Adulthood
When life throws curveballs, it’s easy to strike out. But one of our Youth Service clients showed us what true resilience looks like. Despite a mountain of setbacks—from COVID to family issues and ID hurdles—this young Kiwi was laser-focused on one goal:…
Breaking Through Anxiety: David’s Journey to Personal Growth and Success
“David (not his real name) suffered from anxiety and stopped attending school. He lost motivation and would stay at home and even lock himself in his bedroom to avoid seeing people who were trying to support him. He was enrolled in Alternative Education…
The Journey with 24-7 YouthWork: A Trek of Transformation
Embarking on a 10-day adventure, Year 10 students aren’t just traversing through rugged terrains on bikes, kayaks, and tramping boots—they’re navigating their way through the complexities of friendship, self-discovery, and personal growth. This excursion, aptly named ‘THE JOURNEY,’ is a cornerstone of…Success Story: The Transformative Journey of Scott
Discover the inspiring journey of ‘Scott,’ a young man who overcame severe anxiety with the help of Outwest Youth Community Trust. Learn how our supportive community and Alternative Education program helped transform his life.…Accelerating Youth Empowerment: How Outwest Youth Drives Success on the Road and Beyond
At Outwest Youth, we believe in giving young people the tools they need to navigate life—sometimes quite literally. We recently caught up with three young individuals who completed our Learner Licence course to hear about their experiences and the impact it has…Bonding Over Baking: A Year of Growth and Friendship with Tui
“This year has been a great year for Tui (not her real name) and me. At times her friend would also join us for our sessions. We met each week on a Tuesday for 1.5 hours. Through our conversations, I discovered that…
The Transformational Journey of Nikora, A Youth Mentoring Success Story
Nikora (not his real name) had always shown potential, but like many young people, he faced challenges that could either make or break his future. The key to unlocking his full potential was a strong mentoring relationship, a cornerstone initiative at Outwest…Alternative Education Spotlight: Empowering Financial Independence Through Budgeting Tools
Financial literacy is an essential skill, often overlooked in traditional educational settings. Recognising the need to empower young people with the ability to manage their money wisely, Outwest Youth, in collaboration with a local budgeting advisor, recently wrapped up another successful three-day…
From Struggles to Success: The Inspiring Journey of James
James (not his real name) was a Youth Service client for two years. When he first enrolled he had a complex array of mental health, family and anger issues which the school social worker was very concerned about. In addition, James struggled…
