When Emily was looking for an opportunity to live and work overseas, she thought teaching English was her only key – but she was wrong! It was ECE teaching that opened the doors for her to move to New Zealand. Read more
In her fourth year at the Great Potentials Foundation, Alesha continues to excel as a SWiS (Social Worker in Schools). The opportunity to witness the growth and development of the young students adds a special and rewarding dimension to her work. Read more
"I love seeing the level of engagement from the mentees and mentors in activities that help to boost the student’s contribution within their school and MATES." - Jess, MATES Coordinator Read more
Maddy began with MATES as an mentor through University of Auckland’s EDUC200 paper. Three years’ on, she is one of our Junior and Senior Coordinators for the programme and loves the energy, creativity and positive impact mentors can have on students. Read more
In December 2020, Ada celebrated completing the HIPPY programme with her son at the HIPPY graduation ceremony. Two years later, she was proud to be handing out certificates to new HIPPY graduates she had helped as a HIPPY Tutor. Read more
Ruzan works as a Playgroup Coordinator at the Takanini Family Service Centre. She says it’s really rewarding to see smiles on the children’s faces and to watch how much they enjoy playing and exploring new things. Read more
Ilaisaane says she loves the high energy of the mentees, and she especially loves seeing the growth of each mentee and mentor throughout the year. Read more
I love coming across people in the community who say, “I did HIPPY with my children!” or “I was a HIPPY child!”. Hearing families identify so strongly and proudly with a programme they were involved in so long ago speaks to how significant HIPPY is in our communities... Read more
Alvy is a Lead Professional based at our Takanini Family Service Centre. Joining Great Potentials Foundation allows her to make a change in her community. She is enjoying the role and hopes to grow further in the social work sector. Read more
Over the years, I was able to work with amazing rangatahi and remarkable mentors who have gone on to achieve great things like becoming teachers, social workers, lawyers... Read more
Glenda has been working as a HIPPY Coordinator at Takanini Family Service Centre for over 9 years. Seeing learning, change and growth occur is what makes her day worthwhile working as the HIPPY Coordinator... Read more
Improving the relationships between schools and the families of the children I work with to help reduce barriers to children’s learning achievement makes what I do as a SWIS worthwhile... Read more