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Learning through connection
Over the last month we have had a very special visitor here at Pyes Pa! Justina is a regular around our shopping centre and a familiar face for some of our children and families, so when we were approached and asked if she could volunteer, we jumped at the chance to form deeper connections and new friendships within our community.
Each day Justina visits us and has quickly become an important member of our Pyes Pa whanau. Our children look forward to her visits, often asking where she is or when she is arriving and with each visit friendships deepen and grow.
The children have developed quite an interest in her motorized wheelchair counting the wheels and asking questions about how it moves and turns. And of course, we had to test out their theories with some creative wheelchair painting! As it turns out, Justina is quite the artist!
Creating art can often be a messy job and in the spirit of true collaboration everyone worked together to scrub off the paint embedded in her tyres.
The children have also discovered that Justina is a wonderful listener! She not only gives her full attention to each child but also listens patiently to even the longest, drawn out story. Observing these interactions, it is easy to see that both parties love the uninterrupted attention and sustained interactions.
We believe that it is important for our children to understand what it means to be a caring, respectful, and considerate member of our community who welcomes and celebrates diversity. Our children do not see the world through judgemental eyes nor do they form opinions based on ethnicity, gender, age or ability, they simply see people, people who have feelings, wants, needs and endless potential.
It is such a privilege to have Justina as part of our Pyes Pa family, she has already given so much, teaching us about acceptance, compassion and understanding. And we as adults are learning from our children as they show us the possibilities for a world where everyone is important, accepted and loved!
Justina! Thank you for your cheeky grin and your amazing sense of humour. We appreciate your commitment and dedication to our children, and we feel blessed to have you as part of our Pyes Pa whanau.