Ethan Salve
He faces a daily physical challenge, but that didn’t stop Ethan Salve from scaling high ropes, sailing through Tōtaranui (Queen Charlotte Sound), and camping alone in the middle of the ngahere (bush).
The gutsy 17-year-old lives with Genu Valgum or ‘Knock-Knees’ and needs the support of a walker 90 percent of the time. But when he was given a chance to attend Outward Bound’s Youth Activate course earlier this year, he jumped at it.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn new things and step out of my comfort zone – you don’t grow if you don’t push yourself,” said Ethan, who emigrated from the Philippines last year and is now a student at Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth.
Youth Activate is a new eight-day programme funded by the Lindsay Foundation and is uniquely designed for 16 to 18-year-olds living with physical disabilities. It offers participants the chance to build confidence and resilience, meet new people, develop teamwork skills and enhance a sense of self-worth and empowerment.
For Ethan, it did all that and more.
“The course helped me a lot. It taught me not to be afraid and not to change myself just because others think I should. I’ve been through a lot, and Outward Bound has helped me to love myself and accept who I am. It was a really good life experience and a lot of fun.”
Ethan was one of six teens on his course, coming together from all over New Zealand – and while they’re all living with disabilities, there were no kid gloves at Outward Bound. Each morning began at the crack of dawn with a one-kilometre walk or run, followed by a chilly swim in the moana.
“That was pretty challenging for me at first because I was afraid of water and can’t swim, but it ended up being one of my highlights.”So too did jumping into deep water, sailing a 32-foot cutter to Te Kainga Bay and, surprisingly, the solo time alone in the Marlborough Sounds.
“When they told us we’d be staying out in the forest for 24 hours on our own, we were shocked, and I was a bit scared because I hate bugs. But after we’d done it, they cooked us the yummiest meal and we all had so much fun telling each other about our experiences.”
The camaraderie that developed throughout the eight days has had a big impact.
“We all had a lot of fun together; there were lots of laughs and lots of talking about what our next meal would be! I made really good friends who I still keep in touch with.”
Students on Youth Activate are supported by volunteer support workers. They are all deeply passionate about helping equip young people with the courage and determination to achieve their goals – not just during the programme but in their everyday lives too.
For support worker Sarah Sharp, volunteering for the unique programme is incredibly fulfilling.
“The most rewarding aspect is seeing the course participants grow during the week as they face new challenges, support each other both physically and mentally, and develop resilience and awareness of what can be achieved despite challenges put in front of them,” she said.
It’s Sarah’s job to “assist as required”, a role that encourages participants to independently build teamwork skills and the confidence to try new things.
“We often give the watch the goal of making us redundant when they’re able to assist each other as they develop their group culture and skills of working together to achieve common goals – whether that’s getting to dinner on time, paddling the waka ama or motivating a watchmate during a challenging time on the high ropes course.”
It’s an approach that’s certainly worked for Ethan. Since returning from Outward Bound six months ago, he has flourished, and Tony Williams - Deputy Principal at Francis Douglas Memorial College - couldn’t be prouder.
Bottom left: Sarah Sharp, Youth Activate support worker. Right: Tony Williams, Deputy Principal at Francis Douglas Memorial College
“When the Adapted Programme came up, I nominated Ethan because I thought it was the perfect opportunity for him to try new outdoor activities, be challenged and have new experiences in New Zealand.
I wanted him to know how much of a great kid he is – I also thought he may be quite inspirational to others on the course as he is prepared to give things a go,” explained Tony.
“Ethan helps out a lot with his siblings as both parents are nurses and work different shifts. He would go after school with them to dance practices and other activities, and it became apparent that Ethan was not involved in any after-school physical or sports activities."
Tony says Outward Bound more than rewarded Ethan with outdoor challenge – it was life-changing.
“The Outward Bound Youth Activate course gave Ethan a chance to interact with peers, who like him, face a physical challenge daily. He loved the opportunity to encourage others, build relationships, develop friendships and personally, he has grown to become an active member of a group to help achieve individual and team goals.”
Ethan says the experience has boosted his confidence, deepened his sense of personal identity and given him unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. He says he has forged new friendships, and discovered what he is truly capable of. And although it was challenging, he believes any teen considering the course should give it a go.
A huge ka pai and kia ora to the Lindsay Foundation for their generous support of our Adapted Programme.
“Do it! It’s worth it because you learn new life skills, make new friends, and have so much fun. Not only do they teach you about pushing your limits, you learn to conquer your fears and find skills you didn’t know you had! It’s like growing up! Have fun, be yourself, and be brave.”
