The Y Central South Island NZ

19/06/2026

Sakina is an 8‑week creative empowerment programme for young Muslim girls to explore identity, confidence and sisterhood through the language of art 🎨🖌

Each week blends discussion, reflection, and hands‑on creative activities. From collages to visual storytelling, Sakina, gives the girls a space to express who they are and what matters to them.

Over the past 8 weeks, we’ve watched an incredible group of young wāhine grow in confidence, build connections, share their voices, and embrace who they are.

We want to thank them for bringing courage, kindness, laughter, and strength to every session. We are so proud of everything they have achieved

16/06/2026

Attention ASHBURTON: EDUCATION TUTOR FULL TIME ROLE
We are looking for a new Education Tutor who has an abundance of passion for young people and their education and will share that with education tutorial team based in Ashburton.

This position involves challenging and dynamic work in a non-mainstream education environment. Our successful applicant must have a strong education background, be tenacious and be able to demonstrate a strong practical pedagogical, academic and quality practice.

Equally they must have strong communication and organisation skills and to contribute to a team environment. Having a love of lifelong learning and a passion and talent for working alongside youth, supporting them to navigate pastoral care needs and preparing them for both academic success and employment, is an important part of this role.

APPLY TODAY:
https://ymcasc.org.nz/vacancies/education-tutor-ashburton-2/

16/06/2026

Check out the Refugee Settlement Services stall at the Timaru market this Saturday to mark World Refugee Day 🌏

🌍 World Refugee Day – Join us in celebrating community and belonging

Next Saturday 20 June, our Refugee Settlement Team will be at the Timaru Artisan Market celebrating World Refugee Day and we’d love you to come along.

🕘 9.00am – 12.30pm
Enjoy a range of delicious treats including biscuits, cakes, falafel, kofta and street food, all prepared with love.

While you are there pick up a heart for the Timaru Children’s Library and be part of the You Belong Heart Wall. Decorate a heart or write a message to help people feel welcomed and valued in our district. 💛 The Heart Wall will be on display until 3 July.

Let’s come together to celebrate culture, connection and what it means to belong.

10/06/2026

Can you help us out? We are on the hunt for paper supermarket bags.📣

If you have any spare paper bags at home, we'd love to take them off your hands!

Bags can be dropped off to The Y at 23 Butler Street Timaru, or message us and we can arrange a time to pick them up from within Timaru.

Thank you so much!

08/06/2026

What a wonderful way to finish off Samoan Language Week! 🌺

We were so grateful to attend the Samoan Language Week initiative put on by the Samoan Society Timaru, and loved seeing many other community organisations there too.

We watched the making of an Umu (the Samoan version of a hāngī), learned the beautiful art of elei which is a technique of printing decorative patterns onto fabric. And we even tried our hand at making lolly leis. Lots of laughs, incredible food, and a rich cultural experience we won't forget!

A huge thank you to the Samoan Society for putting on such a special event for the community. Fa'afetai tele lava! 🙏❤️

05/06/2026

As we wrap up Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on our values.

At the Y, everything we do is grounded in our four pillars and this week, we translated them in the Samoan language.

Fa'afetai to everyone who celebrated this week.

04/06/2026

Sometimes a change of environment makes all the difference.

Cooper came to the Y because mainstream school just wasn't the right fit. Smaller classes and one dedicated tutor meant he could actually focus and learn..

From there, things started to click. Cooper completed Level 1 and 2, got his restricted licence through our Y Drive Driving School, and is now working full-time at a contracting company.

If you're thinking about coming to the Y, Cooper's advice is simple — "Just do it."

31/05/2026

This week is Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week.

The 2026 theme for Samoa Language Week is "‘E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le 'nu'u - From the high mountains are the blessings of the village."

Have a watch as Soti and Marlina teach us some common words and phrases 👀

30/05/2026

27/05/2026

🌟 Celebrating Our Local Unsung Heroes! 🌟

The Impact Awards aims to shine a spotlight on young people in South Canterbury and we have had the privilege of recognising some truly incredible young people from across the district. These are the ones who quietly show up, look out for others, and make our community a warmer, stronger, and a more connected place.

With a whopping 71 nominations received this year, it's clear our community sees them. And last Friday we got to acknowledge them too.

Congratulations to all of our winners! You embody what heart and initiative really looks like, and we couldn't be more proud to celebrate you.

Follow the link below to see the photos from the awards night
👉https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xaj9yge0h9efiyiibmn95/ADMs1m-l6Z5zI0RRJ0I1Rtw?rlkey=qxxwli524t4nw60cdmt4iwdf3&st=0k2q7fqz&dl=0