Kia Ora everyone, I’m Meli a social worker at Challenge 2000. My pathway to Challenge started in 2016 when I was a a social work student on placement from Germany.

I had the opportunity for three months to get to know an Agency which provides great support, along with a giant heart of love for young people. With those enriched experiences I went back to Germany. In 2017 I finished my study and started work in a community-setting working with refugees, families and young people with serious challenges and many strengths. I’m delighted to be back at Challenge now and to continue my work here. I’m based at Bishop Viard College in Porirua and work with the students, their Whānau and the staff.

My start coincided with an extraordinary time, the shutdown because of Covid-19. But as John Lennon said “life is happening while you’re busy making other plans”. Therefore, I try to organize the best support for the families and their young ones at the moment; dropping off food bags, activity packages or devices the students need for their online classes, organizing emergency accommodation, providing social work support and trying to keep in touch with the rangatahi.

Nga mihi nui

Meli