Ariana Batstone always knew she would do some work around youth and is relishing her chance as the new Base Youth Cafe co-ordinator. Funding for her position for three years was granted by the Ministry of Youth Development at the end of last year and she spoke to reporter AMANDA DURRY about the road ahead.
Ariana Batstone has always had a passion for three things; young people, teaching and the outdoors.
Little did she realise she would one day have a job involving elements of all those passions.
Her role as the newly appointed Base Youth Cafe co-ordinator will also bring challenges and plenty of room for development, all things she is looking forward to.
Her background includes time as an out-of-school care and recreation (Oscar) adviser, a YMCA volunteer for many years and a raft guide at an outdoor pursuits centre – something that wasn't as glamorous as it sounds, she said.
They've all involved one of her passions and have all taught her valuable skills like teamwork and patience.
"I've always had an interest in youth and my entire working career has been about youth.
"I don't know what sparked it but I always knew I'd either do youth work, teach or something in outdoor pursuits so it's nice to be able to combine them," she said.
Mrs Batstone also found the time to have two children of her own, who are a big inspiration in her latest role.
"I see such worth in a project like this because it's the kind of thing I'd like to be around for my children when they get to that age. I think there needs to be something for youth in all communities where they can feel safe and comfortable.
"Who knows, we could be creating a template for other regions to follow because when you get a good system working in one area, people are going to come to you for advice. There's certainly not enough places like this for the amount of youth New Zealand has," she said.
When working with youth, she believes it's important they have a say in their surroundings.
"I can't wait to meet the youth of Mid Canterbury and find out what it is they want – it could be anything from the layout to the new premise to how we should spend money we receive.
"It's key that the youth are involved as much as possible because it's not going to be successful if they don't want to take part in something.
"I'm really just here to empower them and help bring their ideas to life," she said.
Committee member Rachel Prendergast said Ariana's enormous passion and enthusiasm shone through and they were excited by what she had to offer.
"She's come up with some great ideas already and it's going to be good to get the project up and running like we wanted it. It's great to have that key person to keep the momentum going and to build on what we've got to make it even better.
"There will be a few changes to rejuvenate the cafe that will play to Ariana's strengths but we're just looking forward to getting it open again," she said.
The cafe has been shut since the end of last year when it moved from its Tancred Street premises and a grand reopening in a new building is not far away.
In the meantime, as well as scouting for ideas, the new co-ordinator is also calling on businesses to get involved with sponsorship and encouraging more people to volunteer their time, including youth.
The grand reopening will also be about letting families know what goes on at the cafe.
"It's not just an opening for the youth but is an opportunity for business people, parents and family to see what it's all about and it introduces me to the community as well.
"We've got big plans already so can't wait to confirm the details," Mrs Batstone said.
Anyone interested in volunteering or for more information, they can contact her at vikram861@gmail.com .
Ariana Batstone has always had a passion for three things; young people, teaching and the outdoors.
Little did she realise she would one day have a job involving elements of all those passions.
Her role as the newly appointed Base Youth Cafe co-ordinator will also bring challenges and plenty of room for development, all things she is looking forward to.
Her background includes time as an out-of-school care and recreation (Oscar) adviser, a YMCA volunteer for many years and a raft guide at an outdoor pursuits centre – something that wasn't as glamorous as it sounds, she said.
They've all involved one of her passions and have all taught her valuable skills like teamwork and patience.
"I've always had an interest in youth and my entire working career has been about youth.
"I don't know what sparked it but I always knew I'd either do youth work, teach or something in outdoor pursuits so it's nice to be able to combine them," she said.Mrs Batstone also found the time to have two children of her own, who are a big inspiration in her latest role.
"I see such worth in a project like this because it's the kind of thing I'd like to be around for my children when they get to that age. I think there needs to be something for youth in all communities where they can feel safe and comfortable.
"Who knows, we could be creating a template for other regions to follow because when you get a good system working in one area, people are going to come to you for advice. There's certainly not enough places like this for the amount of youth New Zealand has," she said.
When working with youth, she believes it's important they have a say in their surroundings.
"I can't wait to meet the youth of Mid Canterbury and find out what it is they want – it could be anything from the layout to the new premise to how we should spend money we receive.
"It's key that the youth are involved as much as possible because it's not going to be successful if they don't want to take part in something.
"I'm really just here to empower them and help bring their ideas to life," she said.
Committee member Rachel Prendergast said Ariana's enormous passion and enthusiasm shone through and they were excited by what she had to offer.
"She's come up with some great ideas already and it's going to be good to get the project up and running like we wanted it. It's great to have that key person to keep the momentum going and to build on what we've got to make it even better.
"There will be a few changes to rejuvenate the cafe that will play to Ariana's strengths but we're just looking forward to getting it open again," she said.
The cafe has been shut since the end of last year when it moved from its Tancred Street premises and a grand reopening in a new building is not far away.
In the meantime, as well as scouting for ideas, the new co-ordinator is also calling on businesses to get involved with sponsorship and encouraging more people to volunteer their time, including youth.
The grand reopening will also be about letting families know what goes on at the cafe.
"It's not just an opening for the youth but is an opportunity for business people, parents and family to see what it's all about and it introduces me to the community as well.
"We've got big plans already so can't wait to confirm the details," Mrs Batstone said.
Anyone interested in volunteering or for more information, they can contact her at vikram861@gmail.com .
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