Youth week is drawing to an end, but by no means does it mean our young people should stop being pushed into the limelight every other week of the year. Blind Sport’s Helen Johnson and Jemma Drake had the honour of being invited to a special assembly at BLENNZ Homai campus on Thursday, 18 May, to celebrate some wonderful achievements by their Akonga, and also to celebrate leadership and what it means to them.
From left to right Riley, Roman, Noa, Kyren and Ethan.
The catalyst for this assembly was Kyren Andrews, and his latest achievements in cycling. Within the assembly there was an overwhelming sense of pride, achievement, respect in the room. Students spoke about what leadership meant to them, youth workers within the school spoke about their journeys with the students, and some of the ‘ex-youth’ spoke about how much they can learn from listening to our youth.
Stuart Sloman, a Residential youth worker made an emotive speech about Roman (a BLENNZ student) and himself bonding over running, and initially him thinking it would be a fad for Roman, but very quickly realising after 1km, 2km, 3km and finishing at 5km on their first ever guided run together, Roman was SERIOUS about his running. They are now both looking forward to a 10km race in Wellington and beyond.
Kyren and his ‘Emerging Talent Award’
Finally, and fittingly, Kyren Andrews was presented his ‘Health Vision Festival of Disability Sport Emerging Talent award’ in front of his peers - the trophy a beautifully hand-carved Koru by the late Trevor Crisp – celebrating Kyren’s huge achievements and perseverance over the past couple of years on road and track. In his speech he spoke confidently about the struggles, the lessons he’s learnt along the way, including knowing it’s ok to ask for help – and thanking the huge whanau of people he has behind him at home, school and in his sport.
Kyren stands in front of audience holding koru hand carved award. 5 speakers from BSNZ and BLENNZ sit to the left of him watching on.
The students of BLENNZ continue to blow us away with their insights on leadership that really show how much they need to be front and centre in everything we do. Their ideas on leadership are heartfelt, wise and something we can all aspire to.
In their words:
“An inspiring leader is personable, determined, and asks for help when needed. My inspiring leader is ‘Jordyn With a Why’ (Artist)”
“They are accepting of everyone no matter their race, religion, gender identity or sexuality. They can ask for help when they need it even though it can be really difficult and might make them feel uncomfortable. An effective leader guides people but knows to give them space to grow. Jazz Thornton is my inspiring leader. (Mental Health Advocate, International Speaker, Director and Author)”
“I think good leadership is someone who is not shy to speak, is well-respected, resilient and doesn’t give up on their peers. A good leader listens to others and responds respectfully. They don’t judge others nor hurt them for no reason. My most inspiring person is my Dad, Phillip Parahi and an artist called Lil Skies and David Goggins (American Runner).”
“What makes a good leader? Determination, compassion, and courage. They are unlikely to give up. They look after their whanau and make an effort to understand others. They know that on the battlefield of life, there is no mercy. In order to survive, a good leader must be able to lead their people through the challenges that life, in its unrelenting fury, tries to throw at us all. However, the most important quality that makes a good leader is the ability to recognise that they can’t always do things on their own and will know when to reach out for help. An inspiring leader to me is Jacinda Ardern (former PM) for her resilience in the face of Covid.”