Ara ākonga celebrate the power of volunteering
“Giving back is life-changing” - Ara Skills for Learning and Working students
New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Learning and Working ākonga take a moment in class to celebrate their volunteering experiences.
National Volunteer Week is usually a time to celebrate volunteers around the motu, but ākonga in Ara’s New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Learning and Working have flipped the script, using the week to thank the organisations that support them.
The class of 17 spend one or two days a week completing real world work experience through two long standing partners: 0800 Hungry Ministries Trust, where they help prepare food boxes for whānau in need, and Volunteer Canterbury, which connects them with a wide range of community projects.
One recent project saw ākonga working at Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral, where they spent two Fridays carefully cleaning and preparing the feet of hundreds of chairs so felt pads could be attached to protect the cathedral floor.
Cathedral volunteer manager Susan Rendall said the group’s mahi was outstanding.
“The group got stuck in and did a superb job. We were thrilled with the outcome and the quality of work they produced.”
The students jokingly dubbed themselves the “Chairpions”, but the impact of the experience was very real.
Jacob said the work gave him a sense of achievement. “It was very satisfying. We made good progress and it gave me a sense of accomplishment.”
Natalie said it taught her perseverance. “It gets you out of your comfort zone and helps you find ways to work things out.”
Gabriel said volunteering helped strengthen his work ethic. “It helps you explore your options – what you can do and what jobs you could be good at.”
Rendall said the Cathedral team loved having them on site. “They were polite, positive and energetic – a pleasure to have at the Cathedral.”
Kaiako and Work Experience Coordinator Kate Gallie said both partner organisations play a crucial role in helping ākonga build confidence, routine and real world work habits.
“0800 Hungry gives our learners structure. It replicates a workplace environment where they need to arrive on time, communicate and follow a routine. For many, that consistency has been extremely worthwhile,” she said.
“Volunteer Canterbury offers the opposite – variety. One week they might be helping at the Cathedral, the next gardening or supporting organisations like PIPS or Red Cross. It shows them that work can be unpredictable and that they can adapt.”
Gallie paid tribute to Ara learning facilitator Toni Wildermoth for her support of all the ākonga involved.
She said the focus this semester was helping ākonga was to explore further pathways and gain the skills needed for future part time work.
“These may not be their dream jobs, and we talk about that a lot. But we agree that every experience is a stepping stone. Learning to stay focused, work in a team and complete tasks is what builds confidence.”
Ākonga Riley couldn’t agree more. “It’s felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said of his 0800 Hungry experience. “I wish I’d had this at school – it’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It will help in my goal to work in a supermarket.”
The class will complete their programme in the coming weeks before moving into the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1), which includes individual work placements.
“We’re now looking for businesses willing to take a learner or a small group,” Gallie said. “If anyone can offer a placement, we’d love to hear from you.”