ABOUT THE WINDER FOUNDATION
WHO WE ARE
The Winder Foundation serves young people, especially boys, their families and the people who support them to cultivate positive, lasting change, transforming their lives and our world.
We are a global community of educators, social entrepreneurs, researchers, scholars, writers, artists and practitioners committed to help young people grow up healthy and strong, learn and develop to the fullest and participate wholly in family, cultural and social life.
The Winder Foundation is a charitable trust founded by Diane Hendrickson Winder, an American, and Jon Winder, a New Zealander. Our founders have worked over many years with thousands of children, parents, caregivers, educators and leaders in all kinds of educational, organizational and community settings.
Our programs have assisted children and adults from Maori, Pacific Island and European cultures, as well as those from more than 40 nations, including Australia, China, France, Japan, Malaysia, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the United States and more. Although we are based in Aotearoa New Zealand, our work extends around the world.
We support youth and families to live sustainable lives. All children in New Zealand and worldwide have a right to life, good health, education, a safe home, participation in decision-making and freedom and protection from abuse, violence and exploitation. Our work is guided by international human rights groups and frameworks, such as UNICEF, the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Click here for more information.
OUR INTENTION
When young people and families create positive new stories, the ripple effect begins to restore harmony and peace in relationships, homes, schools and communities everywhere. Diversity, community, respect and cooperation are cornerstones of our work.
OUR FOCUS
We focus on five major activities in the rapidly emerging field of ‘social ecology’ (for more information, see Programs):
- The B-Cool Program for Boys is our year-long, in-school self-development program for young men who are experiencing emotional, psychosocial, educational or behavioral challenges. The program is accompanied by workshops, guidance, counseling and mentoring for young men, their families and those who work with them. Click here for more information.
- Full Circle Family Coaching is for young people, especially boys and families, seeking support and strength. We work with those who are adversely affected by challenges in their social, educational, economic or cultural relationships and environments. Click here for more information.
- Specialized Educational Programs and seminars, workshops, resources and events are available for youth, parents, educators and the general public.
- Collaborative Work is done with other educational or youth groups, and family and government agencies to improve education and the advance of life skills for youth and families.
- Educational Research is conducted on new educational techniques and new forms of learning, leadership and life skills that help people effectively adapt to a changing world.