Let's help Ryan

Ryan arrived at Whangarei Boys' High School in 2011 when his father came to work in Whangarei. Ryan had a cleft palate which made speaking and communicating difficult for him. He lived in a small apartment with a large number of people but, despite this, his homework was always completed to a very high standard and always handed in on time.

When it was time for class speeches I told Ryan that he was welcome to perform his to me and a few students but he insisted on being treated the same as everyone else. As he delivered his speech there was absolute silence, followed by a huge round of applause. Everyone respected the fact that, despite his speech impediment, he was prepared to do what was required. No-one tried to get out of speeches that year. Ryan gave a speech every year.

Ryan always went above and beyond for everyone. He was, and is, kind and considerate. He is a clever young man who is prepared to work hard in order to succeed.

Ryan has kept in touch with me over the last few years. Life has been a real struggle financially. Ryan and his family had to return to the Philippines. He got in touch with me to act as a referee as he said he needed to get a job and earn enough money to pay for his university studies. I would like to give him a break and take some of the stress away from him so that he can focus on his studies. He has done one year of an architecture degree and I would love for him to complete it.

This is a deserving young man who has had a constant struggle in his young life. If you would like to help a little, I know he will be absolutely over the moon and certainly very appreciative. I know he is going through a huge struggle at the moment.