Eighteen organisations around the country received collective funding of almost $1 million through the Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund earlier this year.

Le Va, a Pasifika-led non-government organisation that supports families and communities, administers the Fund on behalf of the Suicide Prevention Office. The Fund offers grants for community initiatives that aim to develop solutions to prevent suicide.

One of those organisations is Zeal. Zeal is an organisation that works with youth. Their mission is to make transformative spaces and experiences accessible to all young people in Aotearoa. 

We’re joined now by Jesse Boyce, Chief Executive Officer of youth organisation Zeal, who was appointed in 2018.

Jesse held roles at Bible Society New Zealand, Ministry of Youth Development, Upper Hutt City Council, and Wellington Boys’ & Girls’ Institute. 

He founded Zion Dance Studios in Christchurch, which has impacted thousands of young people and community members.

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