Moses Ariama from Pride Lands Wellington, NZ
Nurturing Future Generations: Insights from Moses Ariama
In a riveting episode of the podcast, Moses Ariama, a dedicated mentor and the innovative mind behind the Pride Lands program in Wellington, New Zealand. This episode delves into an array of topics ranging from adventure mentorship and financial responsibility to the inclusion and sustenance of neurodiverse children in society.
Adventure and Mentorship: The Core of Pride Lands
Moses Ariama’s passion for youth mentorship is evident as he shares his recent adventures with children, which included go-karts, train yard visits, and trampoline parks. These activities are more than mere entertainment; they serve as a safe space for children to explore and learn without the immediate oversight of parents. Moses underscores the importance of parent-free time to cultivate independence and confidence in young people.
The upcoming Peru trip, packed with activities like forging a wand and paintball, exemplifies the adventurous spirit that Moses seeks to instill in the children under his wing. His mentors act as trusted family members, ensuring safety while building strong bonds founded on mutual respect and communication with both children and parents.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Real Life
One paramount focus of Moses’s work is teaching children practical life skills that often fall through the cracks in traditional educational settings. Through hands-on activities like the creation of their own “Pride Dollars” and fairs where they trade goods, children learn the true value of money. Moses’s financial education activities don’t stop there; they include lessons in wise spending, saving, and even business communication and conflict resolution through mediated disputes.
Children are encouraged to create and run their own activities, and over time, they have come up with more than 80 different activities. This participatory approach ensures that children are not just passive receivers of knowledge but active contributors to their own learning journey.
Addressing Neurodiversity and Inclusion
Moses is a strong advocate for the inclusion of neurodiverse children, criticizing how the term “neurodiverse” is often weaponized as a tool for exclusion. In his program, children with conditions like autism are welcomed, supported, and integrated. Moses argues that neurodiverse children often possess enhanced senses and intelligence and should be celebrated rather than marginalized.
One of his techniques for managing intense emotional situations is to “freeze time” by counting down from 10, allowing the child to calm down before discussing their feelings one-on-one. This method respects the child’s emotions while guiding them to understand and rectify their behavior.
Building Strong Community Support Systems
The conversation on the podcast highlights the significance of community and support systems in raising well-rounded individuals. Moses reflects on how his own life was positively influenced by such systems, and he aims to replicate that for the children in his program.
The Pride Lands program isn’t just about amusement; it is about providing these young individuals with opportunities to thrive, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate life’s challenges. The program offers a variety of roles including one-on-one support and leadership positions, allowing each child to find and pursue their passions.
Advocacy for Social Responsibility
The episode also sheds light on Moses’s efforts to create a community program where local businesses sponsor struggling students, providing mentorship and funds to support their education. By knocking on doors and directly involving businesses, Moses has successfully created a network of support for young people who face societal barriers.
This initiative also includes the creation of a clothing brand and art auctions to raise funds, ensuring that young individuals receive the help they need without relying on government support. Moses puts forth a compelling argument for genuine care and effort in nurturing the next generation, advocating for society to produce decent individuals for our collective future.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change and Curiosity
Moses leaves listeners with a profound message about the importance of adapting young individuals to their changing environment rather than forcing them to conform. His story about taking an 8-year-old boy on an outing for the first time poignantly illustrates the transformative power of genuine connection and curiosity.
As the episode draws to a close, Lloyd and Moses reflect on the importance of being truthful with young people, cultivating their innate curiosity, and preparing them for a future where they can thrive regardless of their background or neurodiversity.
Through the myriad of discussions in this episode, it is evident that Moses Ariama is not just a mentor but a visionary dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and enriching environment for all young people.
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