EAST HEART UNPLUGGED
East HEART
In the Spring of 2014, 18 talented young musicians participated in East HEART Unplugged, a youth initiative of the HEART Movement. The aim of East HEART was to give youth a voice in HEART and share their ideas about a healthy relationship with the Tāmaki community.
East HEART was created after a year of talking to young people about family violence and healthy relationships in local groups. The youth said they wanted to learn more about all aspects of relationships. Communication was the biggest need. The other big needs for youth were: sexual health and contraception; dealing with jealously, cheating and breakups, abuse and family violence, and, the impact of alcohol and other drugs on relationships.
Noho
Applications for East HEART were invited from Māori and Pacific youth from Glen Innes and Point England to participate in a noho marae on music development and healthy relationships. The participants attended Tāmaki College, Selwyn College, Glendowie College, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Puau Te Moananui A Kiwa, or were out of school or working.
East HEART started with whakawhanaungatanga at Glen Iness Family Centre. Then a three-day noho marae at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, Unitec. During these three days, the participants learnt about healthy relationships from Māori and Pacific perspectives from Lua Maynard (It’s not OK Campaign Champion) and The Village Collective.
The musicians were mentored by established artists Majic and Robbie Paora, Marina Alefosio, DJCXL and K.One. They got an insight into the music industry from Mark Arona (Illegal Musik) and MAINZ, where they spent time and recorded music. Then they formed bands and wrote four original songs on the theme of healthy relationships. The songs were recorded in Te Noho Kotahitanga marae by the Play It Strange Trust.
Hear the recordings of the four songs from these talented artists on SoundCloud
www.soundcloud.com/east-heart-unplugged
A week after the noho marae East HEART Unplugged performed their music to their whānau, friends and community at a local youth event LIV IT UP! to an amazing response.
East HEART was informed by the TIES principle
Focusing on the positives
Focus on musical talent and creativity of local youth, and healthy relationships rather than family violence
Transforming Leadership
Making space for youth to lead community conversations about healthy relationships
Stepping Up and Speaking Out
Creating a platform for youth voice within the community
Showing Respect
Role modeling the HEART kaupapa and creating a safe and respectful space for everyone
Working Together and Learning
Working together to develop what healthy relationships mean for this community, and working with youth as partners and co-creators
The project was funded by Tāmaki Redevelopment Company and the It’s not OK Campaign.
Check out Māori TV’s piece on the project on Te Kaea
http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/youth-programme-east-heart-unplugged-launched