The protégé effect is a learning phenomenon where teaching and preparing to teach information to others helps a person learn that information. Jakob has fast tracked his knowledge of orienteering super-fast by growing his knowledge as he introduces the sport to others in the community. 

Jakob Abernethy began orienteering three years ago in Year 8, inspired by his older sister who participated in a local Red Kiwi Orienteering event. Since then, he has evolved from an enthusiastic participant into a coach and also an event organiser. Now in Year 11, Jakob has established a small club at his school, led basic orienteering sessions at local schools, and has learnt how to plan using Condes. He also pitches ideas to the Red Kiwi Club, complete with PowerPoint presentations. Despite a limited small club budget, Jakob has secured funding from Sport Manawatū to help pay for some of the schools training and to go towards the costs of running the Manawatu Schools Relay event this year.

A year and a quarter ago, Jakob began coaching and supporting others in orienteering, with substantial help from his parents. His goal has been to grow the sport locally, and he has sought support from regions like Hawkes Bay and Wellington. Jakob has started school coaching sessions approximately twice a week leading up to the Manawatū school relays. Setting-up relays from scratch is a challenging task, but he has received significant assistance from Jane and Philip Herries, who have travelled from Hawkes Bay with equipment and expertise for the event over the last two years.

Red Kiwi Orienteering Club President, Greg Sawyer, notes that Jakob’s efforts have significantly impacted club membership with numbers doubling over the past two years. Red Kiwi Orienteering’s recent Ashurst Domain park event drew over 100 participants, with more than half coming from local schools and families who were involved in the recent school events. The Manawatū school relay has attracted families and students from small rural schools to the larger towns nearby including Fielding, Levin, Pahiatua and Whanganui. Jakob is now continuing his training sessions for a team of local orienteers heading to the Aims Games. Sawyer adds that Jakob’s selection for the Southern Cross NZ school team heading to Australia was a major highlight for the club. In recognition of his contributions the club will cover his entry fees for the Australian Champs, and in addition, Jakob’s family has organised a fundraising event to support his trip. 

Jakob’s quick mastery of orienteering through volunteering is truly inspiring. New families and students can gain the same valuable skills Jakob has acquired. The club can help arrange training for roles like planner, controller, and organiser positions. There is lots of enthusiasm in our community which we would like to use to inspire others to experience the challenge of orienteering!