A young mother with her young child

I have been privileged to teach at He Puaawai Young Parents’ Centre for the last number of years. I teach Science and Maths to some of the bravest, most resilient humans I have ever met. Much could be said about so many of them, but as they know, if I say too much I may (read “will”) start to cry. It’s not that it is so sad, although there are some things to be sad about , it’s that despite the complications of being a young mum, here they are. Here they stand. I am beyond proud to be associated with them.

This poem is a small token of my feelings towards them over these years.

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For those who want to know more about He Puaawai Young Parents’ Centre, see the following:

Lots of Little Fires

Lots of Little Fires documentary – 7-minute video

TV1 in New Zealand made a 2-hour 2-part documentary shot over 1 year at He Puaawai. Search around to see if you can find it online. 

(Ian 01/29/2025)