Seeing the world through a child's eye

Barnardos NZ held its AGM for 2008 last month, with Judge Andrew Becroft, Principal Youth Court Judge of NZ being the keynote speaker.

“Our theme for this year’s AGM ‘through the eyes of a child’, provides the context through which we view the activities of Barnardos. It reflects our commitment to understanding and valuing what is important to children,” says Murray Edridge, chief executive of Barnardos NZ.

“We would like to highlight not only a financially successful 2007/08 year, but we also want to reflect on the strong relationships we have within the community and voluntary sector and with the government.

“It is crucial to have those good and strong relationships so we can continue to work together effectively in our advocacy efforts for, and on behalf of children and young people in NZ.”

Judge Becroft gave his speech Through the Eyes of the Youth Court highlighting 10 issues facing the youth of NZ, such as social-economic disadvantages, school attendance and participation, drug and alcohol abuse, the role of the family and community ‘connectedness’.

In his speech, Judge Becroft pointed out that increasing school attendance and participation is a key factor in reducing anti-social behaviour and offending, and that it is important for youth to have positive male role models.

Concluding his speech, Judge Becroft highlighted some important non-negotiable values youth should have, such as honesty and truthfulness, kindness, obedience, responsibility, duty and respect.

“Regardless of the current difficult financial conditions NZ is facing, which will no doubt have a significant impact on children and their families, Barnardos looks forward with confidence to the considerable task that remains in meeting the needs of the children and young people of our community,” says Mr Edridge.