What is Better World?
Better World is a radical social justice gap year experience for school leavers and young adults. We will dig deep into the issues of our broken world, understand how our response to them is central to the gospel, and explore how we can join in to make our world a better place.
Where do we travel with Better World?
After launching at Waitangi, Better World will spend Blocks 1 and 3 based in the Wellington region. Blocks 2 and 4 will be spent travelling around the North and South island, being hosted by different churches and communities.
Depending on COVID-19, we are tentatively planning on being in Fiji from September. This will be confirmed in 2021 as new information becomes available. If this trip is not possible, an alternate programme will be run for the final 6 weeks.
Depending on COVID-19, we are tentatively planning on being in Fiji from September. This will be confirmed in 2021 as new information becomes available. If this trip is not possible, an alternate programme will be run for the final 6 weeks.
When does Better World start?
Better World 2021 orientation begins early on the 2nd February, in Wellington. We will then travel up the country to be in Waitangi for Waitangi Day. Our commissioning service will be after orientation, on the 20/21st February, at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. This event will be open to family and friends who want to come and support participants.
When does Better World end?
Better World 2021 ends October 11th, in line with university terms. This will be the case with or without international travel.
What happens if there is another COVID-19 outbreak during the programme?
During levels 1 and 2, our programme will continue without much adaptation, aside from increased safety precautions.
Our first priority in the case of a level 3 or 4 lockdown is the safety of participants and the communities we are visiting. We intend to run Better World with adapted content and presentation/engagement from within a Better World bubble (priority senario), or online if participants are already dispersed. Depending on the timing, holidays may be brought forward or extended to minimise the disruption.
Our first priority in the case of a level 3 or 4 lockdown is the safety of participants and the communities we are visiting. We intend to run Better World with adapted content and presentation/engagement from within a Better World bubble (priority senario), or online if participants are already dispersed. Depending on the timing, holidays may be brought forward or extended to minimise the disruption.
Do I have to be from New Zealand to participate?
Unfortunately in light of COVID-19, Better World 2021 will only be open to New Zealand citizens or residents at this stage. In future years you can be from anywhere in the world and participate in Better World.
Are there age requirements?
Better World is designed for school leavers and young adults aged approximately 18 – 25. However, if you are outside of that age bracket you can still apply. Feel free to email us if you want to talk about your specific circumstances.
Do I have to be a Christian?
The Better World programme comes from a Christian perspective. It is with that lens that social justice issues will be explored through the year. It may be helpful if you have had some exposure to Christianity but you do not need to be a mature Christian to join the program. That said, if you are a mature Christian we would be thrilled to have you and your perspective! Also, if you have had no exposure to Christianity at all but are open minded then we would love to have you apply.
Can I live at home to do Better World?
No, you will need to be based in the accommodation arranged for the programme. One very important part of Better World is the community that will be formed among fellow team members. Throughout the year participants will be living either all together, with smaller groups of fellow team members, or be billeted across community groups.
Can I have a part-time job and do Better World?
No, Better World is a full-time experience that will require full participation and focus from all participants. It won’t be possible to fit a part-time job around the programme’s study, training modules, volunteer ministry/mission placements, and travel. There will be downtime as well as regular breaks scheduled throughout the year but those are important times for you to rest and visit friends and family. However if you have a possibility for extremely flexible contract work we are happy to discuss your personal circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
We do encourage participants to work over summer leading up to Better World if that helps them to cover the cost of the programme.
We do encourage participants to work over summer leading up to Better World if that helps them to cover the cost of the programme.
How much does Better World cost?
The total cost for Better World is $15,000NZD. That amount includes all food, accommodation, transport, regional/international travel, educational modules, speakers, and materials. It does not include the cost of a passport or immunizations required in the event that Better World is able to travel internationally.
$500 of the total cost is due upon acceptance to secure your place in the program. An additional $7,000 is due by January 31, 2021. The remaining $7,500 will be broken up and due at regular intervals throughout the year.
$500 of the total cost is due upon acceptance to secure your place in the program. An additional $7,000 is due by January 31, 2021. The remaining $7,500 will be broken up and due at regular intervals throughout the year.
What if I can’t afford Better World?
We don’t want the cost of Better World to be prohibitive for anyone. We are happy to work with you in whatever way we can through finding ways to secure the necessary funds to participate. There are some external scholarships that you may qualify to apply for and we can help direct you to those scholarships. We also encourage all participants to find seasonal employment over the summer to set aside money for the program. Additionally, we can help you find ways to raise some funds through your personal networks, friends, and family. If you are concerned about finances and would like to discuss this more with us please send us an email.
What happens after Better World?
Part of our vision for Better World is to grow leaders for the future. This is not a one-off experience that you do and then simply look back on photos and remember your great adventures. We see it as a building block for the future, something that has the potential to set a trajectory for your life. Throughout the year our skilled leaders will work with you to discover your skills and passions and find ways that you can use those to make a lasting difference in the world. They can also help you to find practical ways you can stay engaged in the work you’re passionate about once the programme is over. The opportunities are endless.