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StarJam

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StarJam creates performance opportunities for young people with disabilities to experience joy in their hearts and the belief that anything is possible. At the same time they provide inspiration and motivation to their audiences.

"I saw the Dynamic Drummers and the Velvet Vocals performing at the 2010 New Zealander of the Year Awards.  They did a fantastic job. Their enthusiasm and dedication are an inspiration to all of us."
Rt Hon John Key- Prime Minister

“Thanks so much for bringing StarJam to Hamilton! It is truly amazing to witness the change to my son Jaezer’s life and that of the many other Jammers who attend your workshops in Hamilton. Jaezer is so excited being able to attend the weekly workshops and monthly gatherings where he can show off his newly acquired talents. He has gained so much confidence, independence and happiness and in his own words:
‘Cool fun, fun, fun, so many new friends, thank you mum,
me a happy star now! I’m special.’”
Jacqui Baraket – Hamilton Parent and her son Jaezer

“I always wanted to walk but since I’ve been in StarJam I’m glad I’m in a wheelchair.”
Olivia Shivas - Jammer

The Talent Expansion Programme

All young people with disabilities under the age of 25 are welcome to join any of StarJam’s performance programmes. The talent expansion programme is a series of weekly dance, singing and instrumental workshops.  In 2010 StarJam programmes included one Whangarei, ten Auckland and five Hamilton workshops. Our goal is to substantially increase the opportunities for young New Zealanders with a disability by expanding our presence nationwide. Wellington workshops will be added in 2011 and plans are in place for further expansion into Christchurch and Dunedin.

The Talent Expansion Programme is based on three tenets:

• Everybody has talents
• Everyone’s talents will emerge at the right time for them.
• It is paramount to encourage team spirit and peer support in a non-competitive environment.

StarJam exists to bring about a world where young people with disabilities are not only successfully and fully integrated into our communities but are prized, respected and sought after for their unique talents and gifts, providing the community with confidence compassion and inspiration.

StarJam also puts on a large end-of-year show in Auckland and, for the first time in 2010, Hamilton.  There are monthly get-togethers in Auckland and Hamilton that anyone is welcome to attend and StarJam performance groups are available for corporate performances.

StarJam focuses on children being a resource rather than being users of resources and in doing so differentiates itself from traditional charities.

Resources

StarJam staff, volunteers and strategic partners put in a huge amount of time and effort to raising funds.  Initially the majority of income was gained from trusts and foundations.  Income was also raised from shows and gigs.  Web-based fundraising initiatives have recently been introduced including the StarJam Fan Club and Money for Jam, an annual charity busking challenge introduced in 2010.

StarJam invites you to join us and play a starring role in providing the opportunity for young New Zealanders with a disability to be seen as a resource rather than being users of resource, and therefore help transform their lives through creating a future where they can work alongside able-bodied people as equals.

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