.jpg)
Here's to the future!
For the past three years RCSA’s New Zealand Council has selected a local charity to support as part of its networking events. This year the Association was proud to be support First Foundation. The organisation seeks to break the cycle of poverty by supporting talented young Kiwis to pursue a university education and kick start their careers.
First Foundation’s recipe for success has three key ingredients.
- Financial Support - Each scholar gets $4000 a year for three years,
towards university costs.
- Mentoring – All participants are matched with a dedicated mentor to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- Paid Work Experience – First Foundation facilitates paid work experience and an introduction to the working world.
RCSA CEO, Charles Cameron says teaming up with the charity just made sense.
“RCSA is in a unique position to raise awareness and make a collective impact not only through these events but also through the contribution our members make within their communities, says Charles.
“Some of our members have had direct involvement as First Foundation mentors and have such high praise for the charity. There’s a great alignment between our organisations. We both celebrate aspiration, ambition, and achievement underpinned by pragmatic support and individual empowerment.”
The Networking events gave First Foundation alumni the chance to directly share their stories with the recruitment community and explain how professional networks can play an active role in enhancing the lives of New Zealand’s future leaders.
“Providing that platform for people who have been through the programme to share their heartfelt and inspirational stories was a great catalyst for others to appreciate the challenges they’d overcome and share their own experiences, says Charles.
“The events created a spirit of collaboration, community, and curiosity. The stories had the audiences captivated and inspired.”
First Foundation CEO Kirk Sargent says the events gave First Foundation alumni the chance to give back and demonstrate how the charity is changing lives.
"These events showcased the growth our scholarship programme supports. It was powerful evidence of the impact that First Foundation achieves. It was also lots of fun with great people, reflects Kirk.
"We are delighted that RSCA sees us as a strategic partner in societal development. We know that our scholars don't only benefit from the financial assistance of our programme but also holistically through mentoring and connections. The benefit is not just to the individual, but to their families, communities and employers."
First Foundation is dreaming BIG. Its goal is to see an Aotearoa where every single young person has the tools and support, they need to succeed, thrive, and lead. When you #loveyourwork the sky is the limit.
Click here to find out more.