Self-defence classes will be missed at Porirua schools

BY KRIS DANDO

Seven schools in Porirua will no longer be able to hold self-defence classes for girls after the Government announced funding would be cut in June.

Bishop Viard College, Brandon, Corinna, Titahi Bay Intermediate, Titahi Bay North, Rangikura and Windley schools currently host sessions for the Girls' Self Defence Project. It has been running in schools nationwide since 1996, helping more than 77,000 girls with confidence and techniques to stay safe if they are being followed, attacked or subjected to sexual harassment. Over 8000 went through the programme last year alone.

The $377,000 budget will be reallocated to the $2.8 million Family Centred Services pool, from which those who run the programme can apply, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Tariana Turia told Parliament on April 14.

Girls' Self Defence Project chairwoman Alison Broad was upset, calling the cuts "a tragedy".

Rangikura teacher Toni Kahu has seen first-hand what the project has led to. As well as witnessing students learn how to defend themselves, it teaches "how to shout" if you're in trouble, she says.

"The sessions are very valuable and you can see them [the girls] really responding. It can be hard at first to get some them on-side but the instructor, Jan, was fantastic, just talking about situations you might feel unsafe or threatened. Then you get into the practical lessons."

Ms Kahu says that recently a Rangikura student noticed a man following her at a park. She alerted her teacher, gave a detailed description and the police were called.

"They had a fair idea who he was. I firmly believe that the confidence this girl got from the course played a part in her being able to come to us with a good description, so I've seen the value in it."

Mana MP Kris Faafoi says it is "yet another example" of "death by 1000 cuts" that National is engaging in.

"It looks like they're just picking off small things, like these self-defence classes, but this could leave young people vulnerable. There's a fair few schools that run this programme here [in the Mana electorate] and I just don't think it's good enough."

He and other Labour ministers have cited evidence that say the rates of sexual abuse disclosure are up because of the project.

The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has criticised the planned cessation of funding, saying the project has consistently delivered results, with young women feeling more self-assured.

"Building self-esteem and confidence has a positive effect on their ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations, and contributes to resilience," says MHF's chief executive Judi Clements.

- Kapi-Mana News