One Woman’s Story: Steps to Success...
"I have seven children; five of whom are living at home, including my four teenage boys and my five year old daughter. I am also a grandmother. I grew up in Glen Innes and now I live in Point England in a Housing New Zealand Corporation house. This is my community and I love living here. My main reason for doing the Certificate in Community Skills at Te Waipuna Puawai was a hunger for knowledge and a deep desire to work with youth in my community. I felt that it was time for me to focus on myself and my future.
I signed up for the certificate in 2008. The orientation day was an opening for students to find out what was available through Te Waipuna Puawai and to meet other women. Coming together in that way helped us all to break the ice and overcome shyness. Te Waipuna Puawai is very whanau-orientated and no one is put down here. The students quickly develop a strong sense of whanau in the classroom and help one another to succeed. It’s not easy when you’ve got young children to look after and you’re trying to study at the same time. Te Waipuna Puawai is handy for young mums; childcare is provided at the Centre. Some of the students are managing difficult circumstances at home and so we awhi each other. We miss each other when someone is not in class. If one’s gone from class, someone will always ask out of genuine concern, ‘Where is she today?’ This concern tells me that we have grown together as a whanau.
There’s a nice friendly feeling when you walk in the door; people smile at you and make you feel welcome. Sometimes I come into this peaceful place and I feel like I’ve come from a mad house! There’s a homely feeling here and it’s unexpected; it takes you away from the mad house from which you’ve come and allows you to leave your baggage at the door so you can study in peace.
What’s special about Te Waipuna Puawai is that we help one another to succeed. A lot of the students have not done courses before and those who have offer to help.
I often see the Te Waipuna Puawai van driving around when I’m out and about in my community. The van always beeps its horn when it sees women walking along the road. When I hear the horn beep, I always look up and see women waving at me through the van window. I wave back like the queen! It’s a lovely feeling to be recognised in your own community.
I attended classes two days a week and completed the certificate in one year. I graduated with a certificate in Community Skills in April 2009. The graduation ceremony took place in the Auckland Town Hall. I was buzzy with excitement all day. I remember showing off my skirt and gown in Pak N’ Save! What stayed in my mind afterwards was that everyone who graduated that day was at the same level. We were all one; no one was higher or lower; we all graduated with success. I plan to point my children in the direction of a qualification so that they can experience what it’s like to graduate; it’s a wonderful feeling.
What does this certificate mean to me? I see it as an achievement to pass on to the next generation. The course gives women a chance to come out of their shell and find a new beginning for themselves. It also encourages them to pass on their learnings to tamariki. I try to teach my kids that if you want to get somewhere then you have to work hard and find the motivation to achieve. My message to youth is this: ‘Listen, you can do it. It may seem overwhelming at first and it is hard work but once you put your mind to it, you will find that you can do it. You will begin to feel motivated because others are there to help you. You will have to put your head down and your butt up! But always remember, if we (your mothers and aunties) can do it, then so can you.’
The staff are determined to help women to succeed. Te Waipuna Puawai has a wide range of resources; staff will not only help with course enrolment and WINZ entitlements but also provide bread and clothes to families needing help from time to time. I had a long term goal of getting a housing corporation house; I waited for seven years but I achieved that goal with the support of Te Waipuna Puawai.
At Te Waipuna Puawai, students get the help we need to achieve our qualifications. I’m 43 years and still learning! This year I’m studying a number of courses: social services, human development, self-management, addictions and computer skills for learners. How do I manage it all? I have a big family and I’m used to managing my time. I’ve always worked most of my life as well as having my children. I’ve always been a planner; I go to class and do my studies and then I go home and do my homework. I’ve learned that time management and self-management are crucial if you want to succeed. Now I am focusing on working towards qualifications that will enable me to do youth work in my community. I’m hoping to become a youth aid officer or do some kind of job working with youth. It may take a couple years but I’ll get there. I’m determined to succeed. Te Waipuna Puawai offers steps to success."
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