KAHA National Queer Youth Hui

KAHA, a three day gathering, is organised by OUT THERE! National Queer Youth Development Project. KAHA will provide an experience that is safe, fun, participatory and memorable for all the participants. Elizabeth Kerekere, OUT THERE! Kaimahi, Takâtapui Taiohi says that "the hui programme will build young peoples’ ability to fight homophobia, transphobia, and prejudice. KAHA will engage and encourage queer youth to make a difference to the world around them by giving hope and opportunity."

The critical nature of OUT THERE! and the opportunities provided by events like KAHA have been highlighted by research. OUT THERE! commissioned an analysis of non-heterosexual youth in the Youth2000 report, which showed unacceptably high levels of discrimination experienced by non-heterosexual young people. Youth2000 reported that 12.9% of these students were bullied at least once a week. The follow up to this report will examine data collected in the Youth2007 survey. This is currently underway and results are expected to be released by mid 2009.

The low price of KAHA will enable a greater number of queer youth to access the essential opportunities offered by the experienced, dynamic and compassionate facilitators of the hui. KAHA is open to all queer young people. The cost for the event, which includes accommodation and food, has been deliberately kept low at $25 and sponsorship to cover transport costs is also available for young people from outside the region. The KAHA programme is available online and queer young people can register at www.outthere.org.nz/kaha, or inquire by contacting Elizabeth Kerekere at elizabeth@outthere.org.nz, (04) 381 6647 or Laressa Donaldson at laressa@outthere.org.nz or (04) 381 6648
Ref: - NZAF - Kaha Programme