Bright future for Whanganui student

Whanganui student Faith Chadfield (former WHS student Faith Unga) is looking forward to a career as a kindergarten teacher.
Photo: Supplied

As Faith Chadfield neared the end of Year 13, the question of what she would do once she finished school was still very much up in the air.

As her final days of school approached, the bright 18-year-old found herself without the crucial NCEA Level 2 qualification, and seemingly without a great deal of options.

"I was really confused in my last couple of years at school, because I didn't know what I wanted to do. I felt really lost. I wasn't passing anything...it wasn't a good feeling," Faith said.

Six months down the track, and Faith is moving forward with a goal and a plan, thanks to a free training programme delivered by Whanganui-based tertiary education provider Training For You.

The Whānau Positive Futures programme is a free, 80-credit programme which leads to the achievement of NCEA Level 2, and has a vocational pathway in the social and community services sector. A strong component of the programme is early childhood education - an area that Faith has discovered is right up her street.

The eldest of three daughters, Faith has realised that caring for younger ones is her strength.

"I've got a lot of younger cousins that I take care of, and I find it so easy, so that made me think, 'maybe there is something there?'."

The Whānau Positive Futures programme runs for 36 weeks, with classes held Tuesday-Thursday. The programme has five modules made up of unit standards that provide knowledge and skills that can be a stepping stone to further education. Towards the end of the programme, students are given the opportunity for work placements which help them get a feel for the work they are thinking about doing.

Faith is looking forward to a placement in an early childhood setting. "I've finally decided what I want to do. I want to be a kindergarten teacher."

Looking ahead, Faith plans to continue her study to gain more qualifications. The future is indeed looking bright for this positive young woman.

"It feels good having a goal to work towards. I just 100% want to work with children," Faith said.

For parents of other teenagers who are struggling at school or just undecided in their direction, there are alternative options for gaining the NCEA Level 2 qualification. Training For You is hosting a series of information evenings about their on-campus programmes in the areas of health and education, administration and technology, and working with children: 4-6 pm, June 13 and 20, and July 11 at 148 Ingestre Street.

By Staff Reporter
Wanganui Chronicle 5/6/17