Linking Youth Programmes, Building Future Leaders
From emergency response to road safety advocacy, Deklin Frew-Parks is proof of how youth programmes can open doors, build confidence, and prepare young people for the future.
Deklin is a non-commissioned officer with the rank of Sergeant with Hato Hone St John Youth, an Event First Responder, and holds a National Certificate in Emergency Care, giving him the skills to step up in real-life emergencies. Alongside this, he has been involved in Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD for several years, both as a student leader and recently as Regional Leader, representing SADD students at national events, creating resources and supporting workshops across Wellington to promote road safety and help young people make safer choices, particularly around mopeds and motorbikes.
For Deklin, both programmes are about giving back to his community in meaningful ways. What drew him to St John was his dream of working in the emergency services, while SADD inspired him through its focus on education and prevention. Together, they have shaped him into a confident leader who not only responds in emergencies but also helps prevent them.
Through his involvement, Deklin has developed public speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills that overlap across both programmes. He credits St John and SADD with giving him the confidence to run sessions, adapt his leadership style, and trust his abilities. “The two programmes complement each other by covering both sides—prevention and response,” Deklin explains. “Together, they empower rangatahi to look after their communities and step into leadership roles that really matter.”
Beyond leadership, these experiences have prepared Deklin for the future. He’s gained practical skills, resilience, and community connections that will support him in any career path. He encourages other students to embrace more than one opportunity:
“Go for it—the sky’s the limit. Getting involved in more than one youth programme only gives you more opportunities to grow and connect with your community.”
Presenting at the 2025 Rail Safety Week Launch at Parliament
Facilitating a session at a motorcycle and moped safety workshop
Why Get Involved?
Deklin’s story shows the real value of saying “yes” to opportunities like SADD—and how well they connect with other youth programmes. For students, the benefits go far beyond the here and now. By getting involved, you gain:
Transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and resilience that strengthen both personal confidence and future career prospects.
Community connections with peers, mentors, and leaders who can open doors to new opportunities and pathways.
A stronger CV that highlights commitment, initiative, and community service—qualities that schools, universities, and employers all value highly.
A chance to make a difference—whether it’s promoting safer choices on the road, stepping up in emergencies, or inspiring positive change in your community.
Deklin has also achieved high-level recognition through Hato Hone St John, including the prestigious Grand Prior’s Award. To earn this, he completed 100 hours of community service—something his SADD involvement helped contribute towards.
SADD can also support progress in other award programmes, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, where student-led activities and community engagement can count towards the service requirements. For students, this makes being part of more than one programme not just rewarding, but practical—each opportunity builds on the other.
For teachers, SADD offers a ready-made platform to develop student leadership, connect classroom learning with real-world issues, and strengthen your school’s culture of care and responsibility. It complements other youth opportunities like St John Youth, Duke of Edinburgh, or sports leadership by reinforcing the same core skills while giving students another way to shine.
As Deklin explains, joining more than one programme multiplies the opportunities to learn, connect, and lead:
“Getting involved in more than one youth programme only gives you more opportunities to grow and connect with your community… If you’re passionate about making a difference, joining more than one programme can open up doors you never even thought about.”
The takeaway? SADD is not only a road safety programme—it’s about empowering and developing capable, resilient leaders who are ready to make a difference now and in the future.