What have we achieved?
Since we opened in 2017, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has been working hard to make sure young people have their say in lots of different ways. Here’s some of the things we’ve achieved so far:
- We’ve opened nine offices all over the country!
- We’ve launched a range of comic books and magazines!
- We’ve made submissions to Parliament and the United Nations!
- We’ve run campaigns and petitions!
- We’ve created Youth Councils with young people from all over the country!
What does VOYCE do?
You might want to be involved with VOYCE, but are not sure exactly what it is we do. Or, you might have a young person in your care or in your life that you think would benefit from VOYCE’s support, but you’re not sure if we’re the right fit.
Here’s a quick list of some of the things that VOYCE does, and how we can help your young person:
- Tūhono (connection events) to help care experienced young people meet other people who are also in care
- Kaiwhakamana (advocate) one on one support
- Help with Family Group Conferencing (FGC’s)
- Attend meetings with young people if they need support
- Help young people in care have their voices heard
- Support young people in residences
- Run Regional Youth Councils
What are the VOYCE 'Pou'?
We have five ‘Pou’ or pillars that represent how we work with young people. Tamariki and rangatahi with care experience decided what our Pou should be, when VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai was first created back in 2015.
In 2019, care experienced young people worked with Māori artist, Shane Hansen, to create the Pou images we use across the whole organisation, including our t-shirts!
We advocate with children and young people in care – represented by the Tohora (Southern Right Whale), helping to navigate the sometimes turbulent waters, safely and supportively.
We help equip children and young people in care for their future – represented by the Tuatara. At harmony with its surroundings with motifs that express positive engagement, growth and preparations for the future.
We promote the collective voice of children and young people in care – represented by the Tui, proud, poised and ready to sing for everyone to hear.
We connect children and young people in care with each other and with their significant others – represented by the Pūngāwerewere (Funnel Web Spider) which always works hard to keep the threads of its web connected and strong.
We build leadership among children and young people in care – represented by the mighty, powerful Tōtara, the intertwined koru and flowing lines representing rangatahi, journeys and relationship building.
What is a VOYCE Regional Youth Council?
Our Regional Youth Councils are groups of care experienced rangatahi from across Aotearoa who meet in regional groups. Together, they help to inform the work that VOYCE does, as well as helping us to know what regional issues are faced by kids in care in their area. Being part of a Regional Youth Council is a great way to meet other young people with care experience, as well as be involved in something that helps create change in the care sector. If you’d like to learn more, or you’re thinking about joining a regional youth council, get in touch with us by emailing contactus@voyce.org.nz
