Course Structure

1st year of the Diploma

You will look at the following 5 key areas of learning (similar to the Certificate students):

INWARD JOURNEY - Spiritual formation , Self care, Self awareness in youth work practice

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY WORK - The youth development strategy, Build relationships with young people, Facilitate the development of young people, connect with a young person .

COMMUNITY CONNECTION - Developing a role as a youth worker, Profile youth in Aotearoa , Developing a role in your organisation & Be a part of delivering a youth project.

FRAMEWORKS FOR ACTION - Mission theology, Human development, Professional youth work supervision , and working as part of a team & Adventure Based Learning.

SAFE PRACTICE - Observe kawa and tikanga in youth work, demonstrate knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in youth work & describe racism and colonisation in Aotearoa, Ethics for youth work , Safety management planning

You will also look at:

• The development of youth work in Aotearoa

• Analyse youth needs in the community

• Build relationships with young people of different cultures and backgrounds

• Connect with a young person in crisis

• Analyse ethics for youth work

• Develop a working relationship with tangata whenua as a youth worker

• Implement Te Tiriti o Waitangi in youth work

2nd Year of the Diploma

Year 2 covers the 6 key areas in greater depth. It also allows students to focus on developing specific practical skills relevant to their context. As well as this, students will be exposed to a community youth development approach, providing skills in community building .

INWARD JOURNEY (part 2) Reflective Practitioner.

FRAMEWORKS FOR ACTION Mission theology (2), Advanced Adventure Based Learning.

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY WORK Work for change in social policies, structures or service delivery & demonstrate an integrated practice theory for youth work.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Mental health and mental health services for suicide intervention.

SAFE PRACTICE (part 2) Develop a working relationship with tangata whenua as a youth worker, implement Te Tiriti o Waitangi in youth work & describe racism and colonisation in Aotearoa.

LEADERSHIP and MANAGEMENT Provide leadership in a youth work project, manage the development of a youth project or service, explain legal structures and laws for community organisations, & manage a team of volunteers.