Wananga Student Follows His Heart

Downtown Community Ministry
 
Bulletin
 
2 October 2008
 
Wananga Student Follows His Heart

With a life experience echoing that of some Downtown Community Ministry clients, social work student David Manuel is relishing his placement at DCM and the insight it is giving.

 
Te Wananga o Aotearoa student, in his second year of study, says, “I found myself homeless at a young age and experienced alcohol and physical abuse in the home. Now I am focussed on getting my degree, then I hope to make a difference as a qualified social worker”.

He says, things that stand out are DCM’s willingness to give everyone a go and the camaraderie between staff.
DCM Director Stephanie McIntyre says, “David has proved eager to help out and learn wherever he can. He’s spent time with our housing and banking services and with general social work”. 

“We are enjoying the way he enthusiastically approaches his work and particularly how he has developed a rapport with service users.

“We are delighted to have this relationship with the Wananga and experience the two way benefits. Students bring a fresh perspective and we’re pleased to participate in their training and development.”

David is in the middle of his placement and has another four weeks to go.
He is unsure about his future but says, “I will follow my heart and live life where it takes me”.
 
ENDS

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