What they say
To understand more of what we do, here is a case story of a woman we have worked alongside, co-authored with her by an independent evaluator.
One Woman's Story – Up for the challenge and on a path to a university degree
I’m 21 years old and live in a state house in Glen Innes with my three year old son and partner. I left high school when I was fourteen and became pregnant when I was seventeen. For a while my life seemed to stop as I grappled with the responsibility of being a young mum. My partner went off to work every day and I was left at home with our son. I soon became tired of cleaning the house and felt bored; after a while I felt so down. I loved spending time with my son but I also wanted adult time. I wanted to find a way for us to grow together. One day I rang my former school counsellor and she suggested that I contact Te Waipuna Puawai.
I got involved in the Te Waipuna Puawai Young Mum’s Group and was encouraged to think about my goals. I wanted a good job but needed to study first. I was keen to move North, to live in the country, and was interested in horticulture. With the help of Te Waipuna Puawai staff I enrolled in a horticulture course in Northland and eventually decided to return to Auckland, where I started a six month contract doing horticulture work on the wetlands surrounding Te Waipuna Puawai Centre. Working outside in hot sunny weather and freezing cold temperatures helped me to realize that I preferred horticulture as a hobby rather than as a career. I wasn’t sure how to tell the staff of Te Waipuna Puawai that my thinking had changed and they were looking at further studies in horticulture for me. When I finally told the Chief Executive, she replied: ‘Sweet as; you don’t have to be a gardener, if you don’t want to be one. It’s good to try things out.’ Her response told me that Te Waipuna Puawai wants me to do what I want to do. I felt encouraged to keep looking at other career options.
I signed up for the Foundation Studies Course offered at Te Waipuna Puawai through the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). Twenty women enrolled in Foundation Studies and over a year we completed the six modules required for the certificate. When I first began attending classes I felt shy and was reluctant to talk, but I wasn’t alone. I soon realized that many of us had gone through similar experiences; we were all different but the same, and quickly became a big family. By the end of the course everyone was doing presentations in front of the whole class with confidence. When I saw other women doing their presentations I thought to myself, ‘No need to be nervous; it will be fine; if they can do it, so can I.’
Looking back, if I had gone straight to MIT I would probably have felt like a fish out of water; stunned and overwhelmed by the environment. I hadn’t been in a classroom for years and would probably have found the study too hard, and given up or failed the course. Doing the certificate through Te Waipuna Puawai made studying possible for me and the childcare was a big help. The coursework was manageable and I gradually got familiar with using my brain again for study. I learned what was expected of me as a student. There was always a lot of laughter and it was enjoyable to be in the class. The tutor was great; rather than drone on or face the blackboard, she kept the classes interesting with stories and practical life examples. Her approach showed us that she loved teaching and was excited about our learning. The only drawback was that my housework got a bit neglected from time to time!
You can be yourself at Te Waipuna Puawai. It is always so clean and comfortable, it feels flash and professional; there are no distractions here. The whole environment makes me feel like a proper student. The centre offers women an adult world and adult time. The space invites me to be professional and to dress up for my courses. I always put on lipstick when I come here. Here we are encouraged to dress appropriately so as to feel confident and show self-respect. In this building you get to know other women and staff, both of whom show respect and provide the support you deserve.
It’s so hard to go from being an at home mum to becoming a student or entering the work force; it’s a huge jump. At first I wondered if I could make the jump. Te Waipuna Puawai staff believed in me and helped me to find a way. The staff were so supportive when I started. They let women know that they will do almost anything to help you achieve your goals. Staff take care of social welfare things, help with child care arrangements, give advice on courses and help to fill in the application forms for studying. With their permission, I raided the vegetable garden and am always fed well when I work here. My family didn’t need food and clothing but other families received that help if they need it. What I needed most from Te Waipuna Puawai was encouragement and motivation. Raising a young child is a tiring job and I needed a push and drive to get my own life going again. It is so positive here.
I am now working towards becoming a secondary school teacher. I want to work with youth who might slip through the cracks and through teaching help guide them towards a better future. My intention is to enrol at Auckland University of Technology or the University of Auckland and pursue a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary School). The study will take four and half years but if doing the certificate is anything to going by, I’m sure it will go fast.
When I feel a bit overwhelmed by what’s ahead, I remind myself that I’m up for the challenge. I remember my mum, who is a great role model for me. My dad was in and out of jail when I was a child and my mum was a solo parent. My mother was determined to make a life for herself and her children. She eventually completed a counselling degree and now earns a good income doing a job she loves. Her example made me think that I could do it too. I also think of my son and his future. His father and poppa are hard workers and good workers; I want my son to be like them.
Before I came to Te Waipuna Puawai I would say to my son, ‘Do as I say and not what I do.’ I was smoking and doing nothing to get ahead. Being here, in such a positive environment, I decided that I was going to do what I said I would do and provide a good example for my son. Being broke is so depressing; I want to be able to afford to pay for our basic family needs and keep my son safe.
What can Te Waipuna Puawai do to make things easier for other women to take up opportunities here? Honestly, I can’t think of any changes. I don’t know of any other service provider in East Auckland that is offering the kind of opportunities available at Te Waipuna Puawai. I feel I can always come here for support. Before I didn’t know anyone in Glen Innes and now I’ve made over ten new friends in the community. When I am walking around town I often see other women from Te Waipuna Puawai courses. Before I had no sense of community but now I feel a real sense of belonging to the Glen Innes community.
