From full-time māmā to future social worker
Like many māmā, Nickola Savage (Ngāti Rangitihi) has dedicated much of her time to her whānau, ensuring her 3 tamariki are cared for and supported.
But alongside her role as a full-time māmā, Nickola felt ready to do something for herself.
That decision led her to enrol in Manaaki Tāngata, Certificate in Bicultural Social Services at the Kawerau campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
“The last few years I’ve solely been a māmā and I was ready to get out there and do something for myself. I love to awhi and tautoko people, so I thought this programme would be good for me,” says Nickola.
What began as a chance to step outside her comfort zone soon became a transformative learning journey.
Although she wasn't sure where the programme would lead when she first enrolled, her experience throughout the year helped her discover a passion for social work and a clear direction for her future.
“I wasn't too sure at the beginning when I first applied, but now that we're further along in the programme, I know this is the path I want to take.”
After completing Manaaki Tangata, Nickola plans to continue her studies by enrolling in He Puāwai, Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, a pathway that supports her goal of pursuing a career in social work.
As a Kawerau local and a busy māmā of 3, studying close to home meant Nickola didn't have to choose between being a present māmā and furthering her education. She was able to do both.
“I could still be a mum and study at the same time. Being a present māmā for my tamariki while doing something for myself was really important. It was full on, but it was worth it.”
Beyond helping her identify a future career path, the programme has also given Nickola the opportunity to connect with fellow tauira on a similar journey.
“We started off as strangers when we first began, but now that we're almost at the end of the programme, we've become like a little whānau.”
Looking back, Nickola is grateful she took the leap and encourages others who may be considering study to do the same.
“Nau mai, haere mai! Come and give it a go. You won't know until you try it.”
Learn more about Manaaki Tāngata and He Puāwai.
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
From full-time māmā to future social worker
Like many māmā, Nickola Savage (Ngāti Rangitihi) has dedicated much of her time to her whānau, ensuring her 3 tamariki are cared for and supported. But alongside her role as a full-time māmā, Nickola felt ready to do something for herself.
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