Yes to Health and Fitness

While on the programme, the young people receive first aid training, sit their learner's licence, participate in a range of recreational activities, gain work experience, learn about their own culture and discuss health issues.

Young people from the Yes 2 Youth Trust have been working on their own health and fitness programme and are reaping the benefits.

The students have been able to focus on their individual health and fitness and are achieving their goals by working together in a group.

A majority of the students are rugby league players and are fast moving up the ranks of representative teams.

The health and fitness programme has involved joining the local gym and workouts twice a week with a trainer. Some of the students had never attended a gym before and have found it very beneficial to their health. It has also encouraged them to take a good look at some of their lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking.

"We have really noticed the interest and enthusiasm of the boys since they started, and they look forward to each session. It is often the deciding factor on what they do the night before a gym session - whether they have a drink or not - because they know it will affect their ability to wake up on time the next morning and not miss their workout", says programme supervisor Alofa Tuaoi.

Another part of the health and fitness plan is to encourage healthy eating. For lunch, the students have been opting for healthier food such as filled rolls and fruit. They've also been drinking lots of water instead of their normal diet of takeaways and fast food. Course organisers are also looking at including healthy cooking over the next couple of weeks to teach the boys basic recipes they can cook at home.