CACTUS Builds Confidence
The CACTUS (Combined
Adolescent Challenge Training
Unit and Support) programme
is helping local students build
confidence and self-esteem.
Launched in Western Heights
by Sergeant Steve Sutton and
his Rotorua Community Policing
Team in February this year, the
community programme is an
extension of a range of Police and
community initiatives in the area.
Sergeant Sutton said the
programme, which is led by the
Police, was initially developed in
conjunction with the Western Heights Community Association
and made available to 25 students
selected by Western Heights High
School.”
“Due to the programme’s
outstanding success, 25 students
selected by Reporoa College
completed an equally successful
programme in July developed
with the help of Reporoa Lions.”
Sergeant Sutton said CACTUS
helps to foster and develop
teamwork, and leadership in
schools by helping students set
and achieve goals.
“A key component is challenging
the attitudes of the young
participants through a well
structured and strictly disciplined
programme in an environment
which is outside their comfort
zone. The young people achieve
challenges that exceed what they
think they are capable of and
extend their personal belief in
themselves.”
“Based on an armed forces
programme, the eight-week
intensive physical training
programme is designed to
extend a young person’s mind
and physical capability, with a
focus on teamwork, goal setting,
leadership and discipline.”
“As well as instilling discipline
and self-esteem, the programme
aims to educate and provide
wider choices to young people.
It teaches them life skills and
the consequences of challenging
boundaries set by law and also
social boundaries, encouraging
them to look and listen before
they act. It finishes with “The
Longest Day”: eight-hours of
challenging and demanding
physical activities followed by a
graduation evening.”
Sergeant Sutton said that while the
programme does not specifically
target “at risk” youth, some are
included because its objective is
to foster and develop teamwork
and leadership across the school.
“These students are at an age
where they are reaching a crossroad
in their lives so it’s vital to
give them the tools and capability
to make the right choices for their
future direction.”
“We are all very grateful to a large
number of organisations and
businesses which have provided
support for the programme
including Countdown, New World,
The NZ Fire Service, Kelloggs NZ,
Rebel Sport, Rotorua District
Council Safer Communities, Toi
Te Ora Public Health, and Rotorua
Trust plus many more locally
owned businesses.”
Sergeant Sutton said the results
of the programme have been
outstanding.
“The course for some has been
life-changing. It also has a zero
reoffending rate for those who
completed the course and has
also helped some students into
the workforce. One parent said,
“thank you for giving me back my
son”, which speaks volumes for
what this course gives the young
people who take part in it.” |
