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Starting out Again
ARAS Wed > Tuesday morning Literacy group 2011
The February 22nd earthquake has brought many changes to Christchurch. The city has suffered huge losses – of people, homes, businesses and jobs, heritage buildings and records, infrastructure, peace of mind, and our familiar way of life.
ARAS has lost the rooms in Gloucester Street where we have met and worked together. That old building was a special place to many of us: a place of friendship and support in our learning and growing, a place where we have tackled our challenges together, and had some fun along the way.
One of my special memories is...
- learning to read and write, and walking into town to ARAS. Matt C.
- remembering the first day I started: I was very frightened about meeting people. Going to ARAS on Wednesday to meet all the other students made me feel a better person. Betty.
- coming to ARAS to learn to read and write, and to meet the lovely ladies, especially Maree and June. They taught me how to read and write (I would like to thank Maureen for telling me to come in to ARAS on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday). And another special memory is our trips out. Warren.
- when I wrote a story-play called ‘The Dog Team’. Also, drawing Manga girls on the folder-cover for the old Girls’ High School ‘Caretaker’s Cottage’ project. Matt F
- the Christmas plays, such as the ones about the Deans and Homebush, Bella La Spella and Dog Team, as we had learnt all these skills (such as maths, writing, reading, spelling and such), at the ARAS classes. Antony
The quakes have brought many CHANGES to our lives, and many hard CHALLENGES! Things are very different around the city.
I find...
- it hard to walk around the town as traffic is thicker than normal and roads are blocked off. The buses are at Hagley College and the park now. Antony
- that getting around on the bus is very hard. Warren
- it hard to believe all the damage an earthquake can do. I am very frightened of the earthquakes but I am starting to get used to them. Betty
- that the old Girls’ High building is coming down. There, my great aunt was deputy head. And the Carlton Hotel is gone too. Some people use buildings for landmarks, so they are finding it hard to find their way around. Matt C
- it’s really disappointing that I can't go to Natcoll because of the earthquake. Also, I can't go to Smith’s City in Colombo Street, I have to go to the one in Riccarton Road. Matt F
What is the most important thing in all the world?
“... He tangata... he tangata... he tangata.”
The good thing is that we still have all the PEOPLE who are ARAS: our students, tutors, ‘admin staff’ and friends of ARAS.
Maureen and Jane were among those that survived that terrible quake when it shook our building and WE, from all over town and beyond, are all here, proving that ‘where there's a will, there's a way’ to keep on with our lives, our hopes and dreams, our goals and learning.
(We may have to change some things, to cope with the changed city, but time will show that new learning and skills, and new friends, can grow out of even these changes!) For example, the folk from St Silas church have helped by opening their rooms to us on Tuesday mornings...
Another blessing for me is...
- I am alive! Matt C
- that I can still go to church on a Sunday at the Salvation Army and the church at the bridge, Monday nights. Warren
- we are all safe. I hope to see you all soon. Betty
- it’s the second time by myself in my flat, but my mum came and picked me up by car. We stayed at my brother’s house for a week. And the good thing is, I keep drawing my ‘Earthquake - Fairy Repair Teams.’ Matt F
- that I kept on going and didn’t give up hope, though I had a lot of sleepless nights because of aftershocks, and I am determined to keep my attendance of all ARAS courses and not let some damned earthquake stop me from learning my reading and writing skills. Antony
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Farm Pets
Jenny Andrews, Adult Literacy Franklin
I first started off with Moo Moo. She was a Jersey. I wanted a cow to put calves on. I got her with calves on. She was good. When it was time to put new calves on she was naughty. I would feed her bread and she would stand there. Soon as I stopped she would kick the calves off as if to say, “I’m not getting fed so I won’t feed you.”
I would feed her a teaspoon of bread slowly just to keep her mind occupied. It would take two weeks, twice a day to do her. I know the last time I was putting calves on her it took three weeks. I was outside one afternoon when I saw the calves sucking off her and just stood there in the paddock. Boy she got me mad! She played up to get extra food.
Then I got Darling. She was a crossbreed which is Jersey and Friesian. She was lovely cow. If I got calves for her it would take three days for her to accept the calves. The first day in the loading, the next day in the pen area, then the next day I just stood around while the calves went on to make sure they got a good feed. She was a great cow!
These were my old nurse cows and I still have good memories of them.
Moo Moo had a high cell count plus her udder was getting too low to put calves on her so we sent her to the sales yard.
Darling was pushed down a steep hill and broke both her hips so the pet food people came and got her.
They were nurse cows for four years and the dairy cows for two years. They were both great in their own way and I have lovely photos of them both. |
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Hello my name is Chelsea
Chelsea, Adult Literacy Franklin
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Hello.
My name is Chelsea and I receive literacy help from the Franklin Adult Literacy Programme.
A year and a half ago I decided that I needed help with my literacy so I gave Caroline at the Franklin Adult Literacy a ring. We made an appointment to meet. She was fantastic, welcoming and very easy to speak to. Together we were able to identify my goals.
Some parts of my school work were difficult and I was told that I had a learning disability but I don't want that label and get sympathy. I want to learn and enjoy it.
Maths was just impossible and my hand writing was difficult to read so maths and writing became my first goal.
I was assigned to a tutor and we meet every week and together we learn. My tutor says that she learns from me as well.
I have learnt many things so far and have gained lots of confidence. Sometimes my lessons are outings or adventure - I have learnt map reading, taken a calculator shopping so I can keep within my budget, train timetables and understanding what 30% off a sale item is - well, actually I am still trying to work that out. Now 50% off a pair of boots is much easier to me to understand!
Maths is still a problem but it has been made easier by baking - I can see what 1/2 a cup of sugar is and if I double that, I have a full cup. Or if I need 50 grams of butter and if I double that, I have 100 grams - see I can do it! This type of maths problem is much easier to work out than having a lot of numbers in front of me that I have to add up. My fear of maths is now not so scary.
My handwriting is slowly improving but I still have days when I go back to old habits. To practice I write out shopping lists, do word finders and crosswords. I also have the confidence to keep scores for my 10 Pin bowling team - this is something that I never did before I started my literacy programme.
My hobbies are reading but not long stories I ride horses and play 10 pin bowling. My tutor has worked many of my lessons around my sport which is good because now I am able to be more involved like keeping scores, understanding my equestrian dressage, like turning half a circle which I now know is 180 degrees.
Some of the work is hard and I do get frustrated especially when I compare myself to other people my age but I am gaining confidence and now I am not so scared to ask for help.
Thank you Franklin Adult Literacy. Do you know that with the help that I have received I have done a CV and am now looking at having a trial run for a job?
I want to keep going with my literacy because I still want to keep on learning. It's nice to know that I can keep on coming until I am ready to leave - that is right isn't it? - (Ha, ha) |
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| My Hunting and Fishing Holiday
Mr. Cheeks, Franklin Adult Literacy Franklin
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It was early Christmas and me and my Nan decided to go up north to visit our family. We packed up our car, filled up the gas tank and we were off. I liked going up north because of the trees and the fresh air, is so peaceful and relaxing. About one hour later we arrived in
Wellsford.
I was starving so we stopped in to McDonalds for a feed. As we were driving along the road my Nan was counting down the km’s as we passed each sign.
We finally made it to Moerewa where my other Nan stays. We hadn’t seen each other in a while so she was happy to see us and I was happy to see her. We went inside and she made me a cup of coffee. She stated talking about how chubby I was when I was a baby that made me laugh. We stayed overnight and shot off the next morning. It took us 2 hours to get from my Nan’s to my Uncles.
When we arrived to my Uncles he was mowing his lawns. He turned around and gave us a big smile. We talked and talked and by the time I knew it, it was 8.00 so I took my meds and went to bed.
First day, first thing, in the morning, me and my Uncle went to the creek to set the hinaki (eel trap). After that he showed me all his animals. He had 5 mama pigs, 1 boar, 32 piglets, 3 horses and 7 cows.
The following day we went to the creek to collect the eels but unfortunately we did not catch any. So we saddled up our horses, took our guns and went hunting for those pesky pheasants.
The next day we got word that there was going to be a 21st at the local Marae and they wanted me and Uncle to slash them a pig. We rounded up a few of the mama pigs and chose the biggest 2. One for me and my family and one for the 21st. The first thing we done was we filled up a forty four gallon bin full of water then boiled it. Next thing we did we shot the pig and then bled the pig and that’s when the water comes in. We tipped the hot water on top of the pig. It makes it easier to get the hairs and the top layer of skin off. After that we sharpened our knives to get ready for the butchering.
We took the pigs back to the house to salt them and then we hung them over night and froze them. The next morning we chopped up the frozen meat in to small portions. Before we went fishing we got the boat ready, hooked it up to the tow bar and we were off to Opo. We were out at sea for an hour but never caught the Big One. My Uncle said, “Shall we get some white bait?”
I said “Yeah.”
He took us to a secret and secluded area. Not even two minutes later we had two ice cream containers of white bait.
That night for tea we had white bait fritters, roast pig head, BBQ ribs, pork chops and mussel chowder. It was yummy.
The day after, we said our goodbyes to the family and took a slow trip back to Auckland.
That was one of the best holidays ever. |
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The Beach
By Romelia, Adult Literacy Franklin
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As I open the car door I can smell the fresh salty air rushing up my nostrils.
“Mmmmmm,” I say. “Smell that salt air”.
I run as fast as I can to the water. I waste no time in stripping off my clothes.
Luckily I put my togs on at home.
I was straight into the water - the lovely rush of cold salty water
running over my warm body.
I start to splash and jump around playing in the waves that came my way.
I have the biggest smile on my face
and I feel happy out in the waves at the beach.
I play in the waves with not a care in the world for about an hour.
The sun is beating down on my head and shoulders, keeping me warm.
I get out, lay my towel down and lay in the sun.
The sun is hot on my skin. The feeling is lovely on my wet, cold body.
I sun bathe for a little to warm up. I dig my hands into the sand.
I grab a handful of sand.
I turn my hands over and let the nice soft, white sand run through my fingers.
I’m so relaxed lying in the warm sun on the sand and I start to drift off.
I can hear the waves swishing and roaring, the sounds of laughter
and chatter as people are playing and having fun in the sun and surf.
And I slowly drift away to the sounds of the sea.
God I love the beach. |
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Things I like to do
Fiona McBurney, Adult Literacy Franklin
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On Monday nights I love to go ten pin bowling. Shane and I walk unless it is raining or if it’s dark we get a ride. Most nights I get a strike. If you get 3 strikes in a row it is called a Turkey. I have done that. I have a few friends who go ten pin bowling and I have been to competitions to play.
I have been coming to literacy class for 2 years. Margaret is my tutor. I have written a letter to my brother for the first time. I like doing maths and am learning my tables and how to add up the shopping bill. I like learning about words and writing stories. Everyone is really nice to me.
I work at the IHC shop on 3 mornings a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I usually collect empty coat hangers and take them to the back to be used again. I fold and tidy the baby clothes. The ladies are nice to me and I enjoy my work. |
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Removing the Bricks
Leaonie Pollock, Arohamai Aotearoa Literacy |
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Since I was a very young child I have known that I have had difficulty with deciphering words they look very different to me and it was very hard to understand what the words said. Because of this problem I had a very hard time at school, getting behind in my education, the teachers were so busy with the other pupils they didn't have time for me. Because of this I got teased a lot by the other pupils, which made me lose any self confidence I had.
At intermediate I started to learn because I had a very supportive teacher, a Mrs Robinson, who spent a lot of time helping me with my reading which boosted my self esteem a lot. After a year of teaching me, Mrs Robinson left and I was devastated, I became depressed as I was struggling with lessons in class, didn't get any support, and couldn't catch up with the rest of the pupils.
Eventually I left college and got work that did not require reading and spelling skills, that was all the type of work I could apply for at the time because of my Dyslexia (yes I had discovered by now what my problem was). At the present time I am a stay at home mother, my vision for the future is to become a Librarian so I needed to find out where I could get assistance with my reading. I found it through Arohamai Aotearoa Literacy Inc which is based in Levin. I was matched with a Tutor who made me feel very welcome and listened while I told her about my reading problem.
Now I have been a student of Arohamai Aotearoa Literacy Inc for part of 2011, because my Tutor found methods to help me which are tailored to my needs I have gained much confidence and my reading has become much more fluent. Now I know I am going to achieve my long term goal of becoming a Librarian.
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My Job
Aida, Adult Literacy Aotearoa Kapiti |
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I’ve been working in Health Care as a community support worker in Kapiti since 1999, doing household management. At that time I had eight clients and for most of them I worked 1½ hours a week and was catching a bus every day.
In 2004 I had a new client couple. The wife had Parkinson’s Disease. I worked 2 hours a week doing cleaning - kitchen, bathroom, toilet, vacuuming, washing the floors and changing the bed linen. I also hung out the washing on the clothes line.
In 2005 this lady’s husband had an accident. He had motor neurone disease. After that I started to do personal care for them both and I worked for eleven hours a week. The Health Care Nurse taught me how to put on stockings and also how to handle the hoist and charge the batteries. He was using a wheelchair inside their house.
In 2006 the husband passed away but I continued to help his wife. Sometimes I wheeled her out and would ring a taxi to take us both shopping to get her groceries. I also assisted her in the shower and helped her to dress because she was unsteady on her feet and sometimes she would fall down. I worked with her for four years and we became close friends. Then she went to a rest home in Porirua.
I decided to get a qualification. I studied Level one and Level two and passed both of them. Now I have six clients and work an hour a week for each of them, except one where I work for two hours each week. This lady had an operation on her shoulder and she’s still not able to do housework. My job with her is to change the bed linen, put on the clean linen and hang the washing on the clothesline. I also clean the kitchen, bathroom and toilet, do the vacuuming and wash the floors. I have worked with her for two years now.
Thank you to the management and staff of Adult Literacy, who are very keen to help all the students like me to learn English and to improve our reading skills.
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My Dream
Debbie, Adult Literacy Aotearoa Kapiti |
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There are times when we have dreams. At those times we have no idea of what may be involved in making the dream come true.
I remember when the dream came into my head to work towards a degree. I felt strong and positive and that it was something I could achieve.
So in 2008 I started my degree, working towards that dream.
The time went fast. Learning was rewarding and exciting.
On reaching my third year, I was challenged by the volume of work and commitment required to run a home and care for my children. However, I was determined to reach my goal.
Coming to Adult Literacy Kapiti has encouraged me to carry on with my studies. As a result of my perseverance it may take me longer than planned but the feeling of reaching my dream is becoming closer. I have learnt to look for help when things are not going well and to keep aiming for my dream.
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Open Day for Matangi
Stewart, Adult Literacy Aotearoa Kapiti
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The new Matangi train
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I decided to make a day of it, so I went in early in the morning and walked up to the engine yard. I opened my day bag and pulled out my fluoro jacket, then walked around taking photos — with various railway personnel waving out to me. (If you haven’t gathered, I don’t work for the railways.)
From there I walked over to the traction shed, which Matangi was sitting in front of. All the railway bigwigs were standing there. I joined them and took photos along with them.
Then it came time to test Matangi before going over to platform 9, so we all hopped on and had a ride. The railway people were all talking, and I just carried on taking photos. When we reached platform 9, I hopped out and joined Joe Public on the platform.
Matangi has more room inside and the wheelchair access is brilliant. When the train is full, there’s room for 30 passengers standing up. The only thing I didn’t like was the droning noise on the outside.
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Maggie's Story
Maggie Tele, Adult Literacy Tamaki Auckland |
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Talofa Lava! My name is Maggie and I would like to share my story.
In March 2009 I suffered a small stroke whilst living in Brisbane, Australia. It left me with right side weakness from my chest down to my feet. It did not affect my speech or my eating! So I was very grateful for that! Initially the doctor said it would take me 6months to a year before I made a full recovery, but that initial diagnosis did not sit well with me or my family. We were ALL determined I was going to recover sooner!
After 3 months of solid rehabilitation, (6 weeks out of those 3 months was spent in hospital, the remainder was spent as an outpatient) it was decided that my family and I would return home to NZ |
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