In 2007 The Wayne Francis Charitable Trust launched a year long leadership programme in two low decile secondary schools in Christchurch.  The programme was designed to encourage Year 13 students to set goals, identify obstacles, and discover ways to succeed.

The programme objectives were to create a level of self awareness by:

o       Encouraging students to recognise their potential;

o       Supporting students to set goals and work to achieve them;

o       Encouraging students to be responsible for creating their own opportunities;

o       Developing an understanding of the value of community and giving;

o       Learning the value of being part of a team,

o       Instilling social responsibility among young people in their school and the wider community,

Up to 12 students were accepted to the programme each year, and at the end of the year, two tertiary scholarships were awarded to each school.

Since 2007 10 Scholarships have been awarded .  Each valued at $12,000 paid over four years

In 2011 the Trust, in conjunction with the principals of the two  secondary schools, reviewed the programme and decided that in order to achieve the desired outcomes the programme needed to be extended from 1 year to 3 years.  While the key objectives remain, greater emphasis is placed on developing leadership. The name of the programme has been changed to ‘The Wayne Francis merging Leaders Programme'

Students will be now be selected in the 4th term of year 10 according to:

§         Personal Challenges identified and goals for the future

§         Committment to pursue further education and /or training

§         An understanding of the benefits of positive school and community engagement

§         Current level of school and community involvement

§         What it means to be a good citizen

The programme has 3 core elements to it:

Leadership Development - During the 3 year programme the students will come together to regularly socialize, to listen to inspirational speakers and to participate in leadership developmental activities.

Mentoring - In Year 11 every student will be trained as a mentor by Big Brothers Big Sisters. In the 3rd term of year 11 and for the duration of the programme, students will commence regular mentoring of a primary school student from their neighbouring primary school.

In years 12 every student will be allocated their own mentor to support them in achieving their goals.

Volunteering - Each new intake of students onto the programme will together decide upon an organisation or charity to support for the duration of the programme and together develop a 3 year strategy plan on how best they can achieve their objectives for the charity/organisation