VOYCE releases Comic Book

  • VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai releases advocacy comic book to inspire children in care to speak up.

Care Day the world’s biggest celebration of children and young people with care experience took place on 21 February 2020. In the five days leading up to Care Day, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai shared a care story every day. Each highlighted the personal struggles and hopes of care experienced young people in their own words.

It takes remarkable strength of character to share any personal story with the world and our deepest gratitude and thanks go to those who shared their Care Stories. Each story was assigned a random number as a special tribute to the approximately 6000 care stories presently being lived in New Zealand.

CEO of VOYCE, Tracie Shipton said, “Without a doubt, the biggest influence and critical success factor to the work we do has been the willingness and openness of young people from across Aotearoa sharing their experience as a guide to our work.”

Then, on Care Day 2020 itself, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai shared the organisation’s love for Aotearoa’s tamariki in care by officially launching a special Advocacy In Action comic book both in Te Reo Māori and English. This tells an advocacy story about a child in the care system and seeks to empower kids in care with the power and positive possibilities that can come from making their voices heard.

This comic book launch took place with reading events held at VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai regional offices across New Zealand.

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.