When Shekainah graduated from He Poutama Rangatahi (one of Visionwest’s youth training programmes) she felt like her future was transformed and opportunities never previously available opened up for her.
Hear Shekainah talk about her experience with Visionwest.
I enjoy telling others the great things that I received from doing the course at Visionwest. I got my driver’s licence, gained support to write my CV, and received a number of job opportunities. These were things I could never have done myself. I felt like I was going through life like a headless chicken; I had all the information and motivation but wasn’t sure how to make use of it all and get ahead in life.
It was when I took the step and enrolled at Ōhinga Tū (Visionwest’s youth development service) that I met people who believed in me and saw my potential. That made me feel confident and one day I woke up thinking, ‘I can do this!’
When Shekainah talks of the things she enjoyed while at Visionwest, she mentions the staff who she thought were so funny, so welcoming and made her feel completely comfortable. She smiles when she talks about lunchtime and says jokingly, “There’s always food! That would be my main advertisement. Come for the free food.”
Shekainah’s reluctance turns to excitement
It was almost by accident that Shekainah found out about Ōhinga Tū. It was referred to her by someone who had worked at Visionwest and knew of the positive outcomes the pre-employment programmes had had in the lives of many young people. She recommended the pre-employment course to Shekainah saying she would really enjoy it. Initially, Shekainah was reluctant, thinking she wasn’t ready for such a programme. It was when she came in for an open day and saw the classrooms and met the teachers that she thought it seemed like a “cool place.” She says of that first visit, “It was like I discovered the glue to all the pieces that weren’t as yet put together in my life.”
Schooling wasn’t really that great for me. I felt like I just didn’t fit in. I finished school in the start of Year 10 and went straight into another course. That wasn’t that great either. I always dropped out and never finished. I was smart but just too focused on other things; things that weren’t that important now that I think back on those times.
When I came to Visionwest, I saw what a great opportunity I’d been given and so I grabbed it and went for it.
Shekainah enrolled in He Poutama Rangatahi, an initiative aimed at providing urban rangatahi with the skills they need to be ready for work while supporting them into further training, education, or employment.
Read Bianca’s Youth Solutions Story – Dreaming of the Future.
Shekainah Gives Credit where it’s due
The real credit for passing the course must go to Shekainah herself. Once she started, she threw herself into everything Visionwest and her course had to offer and focused on creating a new future for herself. She does, however, speak of how the tutors motivated her as they walked with her through the course.
Vulnerability is a big thing to everyone, especially young people. But I felt so comfortable at Visionwest. It’s like being part of a family. The tutors help you become your most true self by helping you to engage in things that actually help you. They’ve personally lived through some of the experiences I’ve been through. That means they aren’t just going to tell you not to do something because they think it’s not right. They’re going to look at all the options and possibilities and steer you in the direction that is best for you.
I admit that there were times when the course was tough and I felt like giving up, but my tutors were like, ‘No, no, no! We’re not letting that happen.’ And they stuck with me. So, it’s like I said before, it’s like a glue. All the pieces you have in your life, they put them all together and provide you with everything you need to get somewhere. You can bring your own challenges here and they will walk with you and make sure you get through to the other side.
Looking to the past
Shekainah talks about where she would be today if she hadn’t been a part of Ōhinga Tū.
If it wasn’t for my course, I’d probably be at home watching TV, waiting on a WINZ call or something. I wouldn’t have the drive or passion that I have now … wasted potential.
It’s depressing just staying at home, especially when you know you can do stuff but no one believes in you. This has given me a good routine. Every day I wake up and I have something positive to get up for … it’s kept me healthy and happy.
As part of the course, Shekainah volunteered at Te Kapu (Visionwest’s weekly free community lunch) and to pack food for the Pātaka Kai. She talks about how good it feels to be able to give back and about the presentation she gave her class on her experience working at Te Kapu and all that she learned from that.
Looking to the future
Being part of Visionwest has given Shekainah an inkling of what she’d like to do in the future.
I really want to do something along the lines of what Visionwest is doing. I would love to get a job here or in a community service like this. I just want to help young people like me who couldn’t, or thought they couldn’t, get ahead and show them that it’s possible.
My youth mentor has put so much into my life. Never before have I got that much from anyone, but she sees my potential and I want to be like that and encourage others.
Shekainah’s Graduation Day
On 13 April 2023, Shekainah was all smiles as the most recent cohort of He Poutama Rangatahi students graduated. In all, ten students were celebrated. Shekainah thanked her tutors and Visionwest itself, “The team from housing, food support and counselling – I thank all of them. Visionwest has literally changed my life.”
Read Kylie’s Story – Practical Support When it was Needed Most.
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Ōhinga Tū supports young people out of unemployment and journeys with them along the pathway to a brighter future. If you, or someone you know, is aged 18 – 25 and needs help to plot their future, contact Ōhinga Tū. Phone 0800 990 026 or email ohingatu@visionwest.org.nz.
**We understand that it is a great privilege when someone generously agrees to share their story. This blog and other material are shared with Shekainah’s permission, and we thank her for her generosity.