Learner A
Learning outcomes: Personal documentation, banking, financial literacy, permanent employment.
Learner A was referred to the programme by his manager who was concerned about his attendance and engagement at work.
When he entered the programme the learner shared that had no personal identification documents, driving licence or bank account. With no bank account for his wages and no photo ID or birth certificate it was impossible for Learner A to function normally. Tutors quickly arranged a third-party bank account for his receipt of wages and would withdraw cash weekly to pass on to the learner.
This was followed by a obtaining a new birth certificate, proof of residential address, a Kiwi Access card for photo ID and appointments with MSD to acknowledge and repay debt. Supported by the tutor, the learner attended a meeting with his preferred bank to open his own spending and savings accounts. With the immediate needs met the tutor was able to guide the learner through the Money WOF and provide ongoing support to help him achieve his other goals of finding permanent employment and secure accommodation.
While the learner has further challenges to overcome, his engagement and productivity at work has improved significantly, much to the satisfaction of his manager and work team.
Learner B
Learning outcomes: Driver licence, permanent employment, secure accommodation.
Learner B is a good example of how word of mouth generates recommendations for the programme. Following conversations with her workmates she entered the programme with the aim of regaining her suspended driver licence. She has been disqualified from driving multiple times and is driving to work without a licence, in a car that is not insured. Her car is her lifeline, without it she cannot get to work.
Learner B is highly motivated to drive legally and willing to go through the arduous process to have the licence disqualification and suspension overturned.
Learner profiling confirmed gaps in her reading and maths skills. These gaps manifested in her reluctance to speak on the phone and to engage in the alcohol and drug assessment sessions which are part of the licence recovery process. With the advocacy and guidance of the tutor Learner B is now part way through the process and is studying to pass the Learner Licence Theory test while awaiting the outcome of her application to Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to have her licence returned.
Through the support she has received in programme, she is now confident enough to improve her financial and life situation by finding permanent work, moving out of her emergency housing and finding secure accommodation.
Learner C
Learning outcomes: Reading support; financial literacy, debt management.
Learner C was at first reluctant to join the programme, preferring to resolve his many and varied problems without help from others. His team leader was concerned about personal issues outside the workplace having a negative impact on his attendance and attitude. In the first session, Learner C was closed and suspicious about what the programme could do for him. The tutor gained the trust of the learner by immediately resolving several payroll issues and helping him work through the many unactioned letters from Inland Revenue on his MyIR account.
Over time the learner shared his story of a dysfunctional childhood and poor education leading to an adult life of incarceration, association with gangs, financial insecurity and struggle. Assessments confirmed the learner finds reading, writing and numbers very challenging. He related examples of entering contracts without reading or understanding what he was agreeing to. With trust came full disclosure and the tutor was able to fully comprehend the severe financial disadvantage suffered by Learner C. His debt burden was overwhelming his ability to function normally.
By working collaboratively with the learner we agreed a plan of action to relieve his financial burden. This included accompanying the learner to appointments with MSD and his bank. While his problems are far from resolved, Learner C has gained valuable insight into his financial problems and is determined to improve his life by securing permanent employment, paying off his debts and resisting the temptation to revert to his old habits and associations. The tutor continues to provide support to the learner and he is now a valued member of his work team.