Help Beauche become a Social Worker.

Kia ora my name is Beauche, I am a 23 year old Maori female who is studying to be a social worker, also, I was born with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy (ACP). ACP means I am limited to what I can do physically - I am able to use my right hand for a small number of tasks, I am in a wheelchair which I control with my head and as those around me will attest- there is nothing wrong with my mind or my mouth!

I have realised throughout my life I have the ability to connect with and help a wide range of people in many different ways. I have a disability, I'm Maori and I am female- I overcome my own trials and tribulations and am dedicated to giving back to my community.

I have a passion for working in the mental health sector. I grew up in small-town Masterton, in the beautiful Wairarapa. In particular, in a small, close-knit community within Masterton which is primarily populated by Maori and Paskefika. Within my community I see the effects of economic deprivation and colonisation. I think prevention and education in communities are key for future generations to thrive. For example, in my community I see the need for suicide prevention and the promotion of well-being for whanau.

I am in my second year of a Bachelor of Social Work degree, with another two and a half years to completion. In order for me to achieve my degree I require an Academic Support Worker who assists me with:

- reading aloud set readings & research (which we do together)

- note-taking

- typing what I dictate for my assignments

- assisting with assignment research

- physical tasks like setting up my computer and putting my glasses on

And just to be clear- the end results are always mine.

The reason why I am fundraising on Give A Little is that there is no further financial support available for me to have an Academic Support Worker through any government or community agencies. Without this support I am unable to complete my degree. The institution I study through- The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand- provides funding for 5 hours of Academic Support per week for each paper, and I need 10 hours per week for each paper. Any donations from Give A Little will solely be used to fund having an Academic Support Worker- I have a student loan to pay for my course fees.

Any donation here will contribute to allowing me to complete my Social Work degree. This means I will be able to give back to my community as well as enabling me to be financially stable and to fully support myself and as well as contribute to my whanau.