275Times October 2016

2
Tranzformers brings
change through boxing
Kia ora, my name is Robert MacFarlane. I’m a social worker for ME
Family Services and I’m currently working in Viscount Learning
Community, Māngere. My role at the school is to influence
the learning and wellbeing of the children in our care.
Earlier this year, with the support of
principal Keith Gayford, and expert
assistance from two coaches at
SuperCity boxing gym in Manukau,
we set up the ’Tranzformers’ Boxing
Programme to help students who face
extra challenges to their learning.
During the programme, Coach
Rob and Coach Cain focussed on
teaching the values of “attitude,
application and attendance”
to help the students transform
their learning and behaviour.
On September 22, we held a boxing
exhibition in the Viscount School Hall,
which gave boys from Years 7 and 8
an opportunity to spar in the ring.
The purpose of this event was not
only for the students to demonstrate
their discipline, self-control
and boxing skills, it was also an
opportunity to recognise their
achievements in the classroom,
with certificates acknowledging
how much progress they’d made.
Parents, staff and selected classes
attended the event to show their
support for the students taking part.
One of the fathers who came to
the exhibition said that his son was
now showing a lot of restraint with
his anger at home. Feedback from
teachers also indicated subtle but
significant changes in the students
who took part in the programme.
As for the students themselves,
most rated the experience as life
changing in some respect.
Above: Year 7 & 8 boys from Viscount Learning
Community take part in a boxing exhibition at
the end of the Tranzformers boxing programme.
It was a privilege to have Viscount
Learning Community adopt the
Tranzformers boxing programme
as another way to support the
wellbeing of its children and to help
them grow into effective learners.
Getting licensed together
Alexandria (21), from Māngere, recently
attended the Behind the Wheel
Learners Licence course held at the
Māngere East Community Centre.
She was a bit nervous to begin with. “I wasn’t sure
what to expect really, but I was determined to get my
licence," she says. “The class was really helpful and
there were lots of other people learning just like me."
After completing the two-week programme Alexandria
was prepared for the test. She acknowledges the
important role her whānau played in supporting her
through to getting her licence. “The encouragement
and support I got from my family really helped me," she
says. “My dad drove me to the course and even sat in
on the lessons too - it all added to my confidence”.
The Behind the Wheel workshops and Pledge recognise
the influence and importance of whānau support for those
who are on their licensing journey, and how that support
can help them get all the way through to their full licence.
It can also be a motivator for others in the family who
might be thinking of getting their licence too. “From seeing
me do this [Behind the Wheel] course, my dad, brother,
niece and sister-in-law are now all keen to get their next
licences too.” Alexandria says, “It’s now a bit of fun - we
can all test each other and keep each other motivated.”
If you know a young person thinking about getting
their licence, offering your support and encouragement
to get there can make all the difference! You can
start by joining a Pledge team with them to get FREE
resources and access to awesome workshops.
Above: Alexandria says support and encouragement
from her family helped her get her learner licence.
Visit www.behindthewheel.nz and register today.
To find out more about workshops
happening in Māngere, follow us on
Facebook @behindthewheelmangere.
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