Welcome to
The Hyphen Project
What is The Hyphen Project?
We are a Charitable Trust for brilliant, neurodivergent 16–19-year-olds who haven’t thrived in mainstream education — and the families who love them.
We run a 6-month intensive programme that creates the uplifting and understanding environment that rangatahi need to reclaim their confidence and plan a future that’s truly theirs.
OUR VISION
A future in which brilliant neurodivergent teens are empowered with purpose and community and are ready for adulthood.
Each year in New Zealand, the gifts of 4,000 talented, neurodivergent Kiwi teens go to waste.
OUR MISSION
To provide a space where brilliant neurodivergent teens can forge their futures. Our COHORT initiative gives rangatahi and their families the opportunity to move from crisis to hope. And our supplementary initiatives offer ongoing support and connection to help consolidate that foundation. Our initiatives are designed to be accessible to all who need them — not just those with luck or privilege.
LET’S TAKE ACTION!
Calling all outside-the-box thinkers, quirky souls, bright sparks, and differently-wired teens
The Hyphen Project champions stargazers, trailblazers and Kiwis that think outside the box. These people are known as twice-exceptional (or 2e for short), which means they are super smart or creative yet are living with the disabling effects of ADHD, dyslexia or being autistic. Some might use the term neurodivergent or Māori terms like takiwātanga or aroreretini.
Whatever the terminology, these Kiwis have awesome gifts! Sometimes others might overlook their talents, but at The Hyphen Project we celebrate them and help them grow them further.