Social Impactor
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by MAS
TROW Group is one of the largest commercial deconstruction companies in Aotearoa New Zealand. It donates quality construction materials and office furniture from deconstruction projects to iwi/hapu, schools, church groups and smaller businesses.
TROW launched the Open Classroom initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. It was created as an alternative form of education for at-risk youth. The Classroom connects kids with their whakapapa and future pathways to employment in the construction industry. Youth come from diverse cultures and mixed genders.
The March 2022 cohort saw an increase of females engaging in the classroom, making up 60%. The Classroom also experienced an increase in referrals from Oranga Tamariki, Genesis Youth and our Lay advocates.
Success is measured through youth engagement and collaboration. TROW understands the critical role youth play in creating an equitable, sustainable future. The Open Classroom allows youth to innovatively think about reusing materials and, given the tools, to become future change makers.