Why Ora Taiohi/ Educare Training Tauira
"think about your future, don't let barriers stop you from achieving what you want for your life, and everything happens for a reason!"
TJWipiti
Ko Taranaki te Maunga
Ko Waiongona te Awa
Ko Tokomaru te Waka
Ko Mururaupatu te Marae
Ko Te Atiawa te Iwi
Ko Puketapu te Hāpu
Ko TJ Wipiti tōku Ingoa
I was born in Waitara and moved to New Plymouth when I was six. Growing up I always wanted to work with rangatahi Māori, so our future tamariki don’t have the same or similar experiences I did when I was in kura.
I struggled with learning, and if I didnt understand, or pick it up straight away, I always felt pressured that my teachers would give up on me. What that led to was me wanting to give our rangatahi the support I believe they deserve.
I signed out of Highschool in the start of 2024, hoping to begin study or something that could guide me in the right direction of working with children.
After leaving school I stayed home for a few months. I registered at Why Ora and came into the tari in February for a hui with Kaiārahi Katie, who was there at that time.
I then met with Chelsea my current Kaiārahi. During our hui we discussed what I wanted to do and how I could do it. I voiced to my Kaiārahi that I want to work with children and that I was aware of Educare but couldn’t build up the courage to reach out to them myself.
With the manaaki of Chelsea we went in together for their info day in April. Following that at a second interview they told me I had been accepted into the course to complete my NCEA level 3 & 4 as well as beginning study to become a teacher aid!
I began my first education placement in May at Waitara East School. So far, I’m loving it and enjoy working with the tamariki there.
I have completed a teachers aid module and am now working in an impairment module, which I enjoy but, prefer teacher aiding as like working with groups rather than 1 on 1.
My journey so far has taught me that I can overcome barriers! So, my advice for everyone would be to think about your future, don’t let barriers stop you from achieving what you want for your life, and everything happens for a reason!
Did you know that Educare Training Programmes are free to everyone in Taranaki? If you are interested in studying for an education career to find out more about the free courses available at Educare Training check out their website:
