Young people don’t develop in isolation — they grow within relationships, whānau, and communities. This session explores the second PYDA outcome: Developing Connected Communities. You’ll look at how belonging, connection, and community context shape young people’s development, and what you can do — in your role, your organisation, and your sector — to strengthen those connections intentionally. A session for anyone who works within, or alongside, the communities that young people call home.
The PYDA Series brings the framework to you in five standalone two-hour sessions — one outcome or approach per session, across the second half of 2026. Whether you’ve been meaning to do the full-day PYDA training and haven’t found the time, or there’s a particular topic you want to explore, the series is designed to fit around your work without asking you to give up a whole day. Each session stands on its own, so you can register for one, a few, or all five. If you do make it to all five, you’ll come away with the complete PYDA framework under your belt — the same foundation covered in the full-day training.
This series is facilitated by Penny, Angelina and Lydia- experienced youth development practitioners who have spent many years working alongside young people in a wide range of settings. More than trainers, they are passionate advocates for Positive Youth Development and bring the PYDA framework to life through real-world examples, reflection, and practical application. Their deep experience and commitment to the kaupapa create a learning environment that is engaging, relevant, and grounded in the realities of working with rangatahi.
PYDA is the professional foundation for working well with young people — a developmental lens that moves practice from good instinct to intentional, evidence-informed action. Grounded in Positive Youth Development and situated in bicultural Aotearoa, the framework covers two core outcomes — Developing the Whole Person and Developing Connected Communities — and three practical approaches: Strengths-Based Practice, Respectful Relationships, and Building Ownership and Empowerment. Each session in the series takes one of these as its focus, building a complete picture of what it means to work well with rangatahi, whatever your role or sector.
These hui are free and open to anyone working with or for young people. No prior PYDA training required.
We’d love to have you with us.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Youth Development Champions Project
