Encouraging young people to be changemakers was the focus of a new production by Do Good, Feel Good (DGFG) at the Māngere Arts Centre on the 4th and 5th of December.

The ‘We are one, We are many’ showcase was written by DGFG members and told the story of social change from a youth perspective.

“Our performers shared their lived experiences of challenges, sacrifices, cultural identity and choices they face. Because if they can articulate the issues in their communities, then they can feel empowered to design the solutions,” says Youth Lead Systems Innovator, Chillion Sanerivi.

The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board has helped support the youth movement, which started in Māngere with ten members, five years ago. Now they have grown to more than 100 changemakers in Ōtāhuhu, Papatoetoe, Ōtara, Manurewa and Wiri.

“DGFG are young leaders and as the Local Board, we’re here to support them in realising their potential,” says Lemauga Lydia Sosene, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chair.

“It’s about having young people at the table and allowing them to lead the initiative they want to do,” she adds.

The free event featured spoken word poetry, dancing, singing, acting and rapping.

“It’s been months of work with creatives putting their own ideas and talents into it; hence, ‘we are one, we are many,’ says DGFG member Jordan.

“For me, being a changemaker means seeing a problem and having a think about the root cause and why it’s happening. I think that was translated quite well in the production,” Jordan said.

Lotu Fuli, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair, said It was nice to see young people inspired and keen to share their truth.

“We know that there is so much pressure on youth at the moment. We’re keen to work together to build pathways and opportunities for their future, said Lotu.