Learning, reflection &


​ evaluation

Learning and reflecting is an important part of our work at TYMS. We have a comprehensive evaluation framework, which ensures that learning and reflection is embedded into our processes. Importantly, our evaluation structure is designed to respect and uphold the cultural legitimacy and diversity of the young people and their families with whom we work.

Our evaluation approach is collaborative, participatory and strongly informed by the principles of youth and community development.
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Sharing our learnings, moving


​ forward together.

TYMS Pacific Youth Wellbeing


​ Framework

Adapted Fonofale Model for Pacific Youth Wellbeing & Development (Savaii, 2017)

In 2017, TYMS operationalised and applied a Pacific Youth Wellbeing Framework to its practice, informing every step of our engagement with the young person and their whanau, from entry to exit.

This approach to defining and building wellbeing is grounded in Pacific peoples worldview of the good life, which is understood to be a consequence of achieving harmony and balance between the three interrelated and interdependent elements of Pacific life: the spiritual, the social, and the physical.

The spiritual refers to peoples relationship to their ancestor God, the spirits, and the cosmos; the social refers to peoples relationships with other people such as their families and communities; and the physical refers to peoples relationships to their lands, the sea, and the natural resources.

TYMS is the first organisation to develop a measure of wellbeing that encapsulates this holistic Pacific worldview of wellbeing. Moreover, the framework is strengths-based, which aligns with the Ministry of Youth Affairs 2002 Strategy on Positive Youth Development. The application of the framework is also timely, given the Government’s current focus and search for measures of wellbeing.

Our framework is a work in progress, and we will continue to improve and adapt it so that it remains relevant and effective in guiding our work to better the lives of our young people.

What's an ideal TYMS mentor?

Research & Resources