Best Buddies

Best Buddies International is the world's largest non-profit organisation, which was founded in the United States of America by Anthony Kennedy-Shriver.

Mission

To enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.

Best Buddies works to break down barriers which inhibit people with intellectual disabilities from participating fully in community life. Many people with intellectual disabilities have never had the experience of having a true friend and are often excluded from the social opportunities that most people enjoy and take for granted.

Best Buddies High Schools

Best Buddies High Schools is a systematic, structured programme which provides

appropriate resources and materials
leadership training
disability awareness training
ongoing support and guidance for Chapter members to promote the smooth running of the chapter and successfu friendship matches

Students become members of their High School Chapter, a registered student organisation led by a Chapter President and officers.

Students with and without intellectual disabilities are matched in one-to-one friendships for a period of one year.

Buddy pairs are committed to

making contact once a week
take part in two activities together each month
Attend all chapter meetings, group activities and fundraisers

Best Buddies

is about making REAL friendships and having fun
Promotes leadership
Everyone benefits
Has a formal structure
Has ongoing local support from Best Buddies staff and special education teachers
Is lined to an international body - Best Buddies International.
Is world-wide with participation of over 550 schools.

Today's Best Buddies students are tomorrow's adults, employers, CEOs and Members of Parliament who will promote a positive change in society's attitudes through

disability awareness
acceptance of diversity
an undersanding that people with disabilities are worthwhile and able to achieve in their own right.

Melville High School, Hamilton, New Zealand, is the pilot school for this programme, a Chapter for which was established in August 2006.

For further information contact:

Suzanne O'Shaughnessy

Best Buddies Programme Manager

LIFE Unlimtied

20 Palmerston Street

PO Box 146

HAMILTON

Phone +0064 7 839 5506

Fax: +0064 7 834 9982

Email: suzanneo "at" life.nzl.org