John Harrington
Personal Bio For three decades, John Harrington has not only worked directly with youth, but has worked towards better services for them, and greater recognition of the youth sector. |
From 1979-1997, John worked with young people in the community, both as a volunteer, and a paid employee. During that time he helped set up the Christchurch branch of Te Ora Hou, after being involved with the programme in South Auckland, Cross over Trust in South Christchurch and the Hoon Hay Youth Centre.
From 1997 to 2006, John managed the Canterbury Youth Workers Collective (CYWC), which provides networking and support to paid and volunteer youth workers in the Canterbury region. Through his work with CYWC, John helped set up the first national certificate in youth work through the social services faculty of Christchurch Polytechnic, and was also involved in writing part of the curriculum.
In 2006, John and a team of youth workers from around New Zealand launched the National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa. Since then, John has directed the Christchurch-based organisation, helping to advance the development of youth work at both a regional and national level.
John says it was his own relationship with youth workers as a teenager that led him to a career in the sector. “I’ve always been motivated to support young people,” he says. “Youth workers were influential in my life and I enjoyed what they did. I saw it as exciting and challenging work. I wanted to help those who were maybe struggling, and didn’t have the opportunities that I did.”
Although John is particularly interested in helping marginalised youth, he firmly believes all young people need support.
“From my experience working with youth, it doesn’t matter if they come from the streets of Otara, or a family home in Fendalton – all young people are exposed to globalisation, family pressures, expectations to succeed, the school system, and insecurities around body image, appearance, identity and fitting in. Just being young brings challenges.”
Although faced with these challenges, John believes young people have a lot to offer and should be better acknowledged for their vitality and enthusiasm. “I think some adults have selective memories and often forget what they were like when they were young. We need to be inspired by young people and their world view, and focus on their strengths.”
On the WFCT
John says being a part of the YAG has been a character building experience. “We gel well as a group, have learnt a lot from one another, and are all committed to helping the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust make a difference.”