Nor'West News: April 15, 2021

More documents

Recommendations

Info

6 Thursday April 15 2021 Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz NOR’WEST NEWS Teacher finds her voice through art • By Bea Gooding ANH QUE CHU knows a thing or two about how it feels to not be able to communicate what’s on her mind. As an art teacher for people with intellectual disabilities at the Art for Life Trust, she understood how much of a barrier language can be. Not knowing a word of English when she first moved to New Zealand in 1982 as a refugee following the Vietnam War made tasks such as getting a job that much more strenuous. But through art, she was able to find her voice and has enabled others to do the same. Said Chu: “When I first came here I couldn’t speak English, so I went to Teachers’ College in the hopes of getting a full-time job. But my English wasn’t good enough at the time, so I was very depressed. I just wanted to have a full-time job, but I couldn’t. “The only thing I was good at was practical art and demonstrations on how to paint.” When teaching in schools did not go to plan, she drew on her strengths by selling off drawings and paintings. She later graduated from Ara Institute of Technology in 2000 with a Bachelor of Art and Design. After landing a full-time job privately teaching children and adults at Your Studio Trust for a number of years, Chu established the Art for Life in 2013. It provides art tuition to people of all ages who live with an intellectual disability. It did not matter if students had autism, Down’s syndrome, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – anyone could learn how to make art using acrylic and watercolour paint, ink pens or charcoal. At the end of year exhibition, it was also a chance to generate their own income by selling pieces they made. Art enabled them to express themselves and to learn more about colour therapy, but it was a safe and inclusive place to make friends while developing confidence, self-esteem and pride in their work. Teaching art in other places STRENGTHS: Anh Que Chu (right) with student Wendy Blackler at the Art for Life Trust, which teaches people with intellectual disabilities how to find their voices through art. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN like high schools often meant the end goal was to make students’ art stand out, but at the trust, it was a different story. “Here, that’s not the goal – show them that you love them, care about them, and help them express their feelings,” said Chu. “A lot of students here can’t talk or hear, so you have to find a way to understand and help them communicate.” Becoming a teacher was something Chu fantasised about as a teenager, but she never expected to do so in another country. Chu was a 25-year-old art student when her family was forced to flee Hanoi, Vietnam, in 1979, four years after the Vietnam War ended. External tensions stemming from the country’s dispute with Cambodia and China in the years that followed caused a mass exodus of nearly 800,000 people – most of Chinese descent, just like Chu’s family. After seven days of being crammed in a boat with 396 other refugees, they eventually made it to a refugee camp in Hong Kong. It was where she met her future husband, a New Zealander, who was working at the camp with the Salvation Army. Art has been a constant in her life since her teenage years. During the war, she was inspired by an encounter with two art students, who encouraged her to study at Hanoi Arts School. Now, Chu gets to live out her teaching dream in a field she is most passionate about while making a colourful impact within the disability community. “A good teacher follows the student. Usually, you try to get the students to follow you, but here, you follow them.” Greg and lyn marshall Good old fashion service from a owner/operated local business. • Full mechanical repairs • Vehicle servicing • woF repairs • Tyres • wheel alignments • Puncture repairs stockists of all brands of tyres walk ins welcome. Greg and Lyn Marshall and their experienced team look forward to welcoming you. 496 Wairakei Road, Christchurch | Ph: 03 359 4114 A/h: 0274 356 484 office@marshallautoandtyres.co.nz www.marshallautoandtyres.co.nz oN sAle Now! Now only $35.80 Plus $5 P&H per copy AvAilAble from stAr mediA: Level One, 359 Lincoln Road Addington, Christchurch Phone 379 7100 Christchurch Bridge Club Do you enjoy cards, like challenges & want to stay mentally alert? ….then discover Bridge with the Christchurch Bridge Club. 11 FREE Beginner Bridge Lessons Wed 5 th May at 7.30pm Phone: 366-1516 21 Nova Place, Christchurch Email: office@chchbridge.co.nz www.chchbridge.co.nz Treat your clothes and wallet better. Both will thank you. ^ Ever thought about how hard you work your appliances every day? Luckily Beko major appliances come with a 5-year warranty so you can get on with what matters, - these machines are smart, gentle and quiet and work as hard as you do. Designed to preserve colours and the condition of clothes. Next time someone compliments your clothes and you reply, ‘What, this old thing?’ you might be telling the truth. Beko 8.5kg Front Loading Washing Machine BFL8510W 9060526 $11 Beko 8kg Sensor Controlled Heat Pump Dryer BDP810W 9059950 less than per week for 24 months $899 interest free* $1499 less than $16 per week for 24 months interest free* Offers valid until from 14th April 2021, while stocks last, unless otherwise stated. Some products on display in selected stores only – please call 0800 764 847 to check availability. Personal shoppers only. *Apple, selected computers, game consoles, gift cards, clearance items and some promotional items are not available in conjunction with interest free offers. Flooring available on a maximum of 18 months interest free. Exclusions, fees, terms, conditions, and credit criteria apply. Available in-store only. Equal instalment amounts include one-off booking fee of $45.00, annual fees of $45.00 p.a. and security registration fee of $8.05, and exclude insurance. Current interest rate of 23.95% applies to any unpaid balance after expiry of (any) interest free period. See in-store or visit smithscity.co.nz/interest-free for details. ^Terms and conditions apply, visit beko.co.nz for detail.
NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Thursday April 15 2021 7 When you choose a Ryman retirement village, you know you have access to everything from independent and assisted living, to a range of care options. Even if you don’t need it now, it’s a weight off your mind to know care is there for the future, so you can make the most of life. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation. $380,000 $489,000 SA226 1 1 Port Hills charm Wake up and enjoy the picturesque views of the Port Hills every day from this modern and spacious serviced apartment. You’ll be conveniently located, close to the village lounge and the many amenities on offer including the bowling green, swimming pool and beauty salon. Diana Isaac Village 1 Lady Isaac Way, Mairehau Call Adrienne or Chris 385 3518 $570,000 IA208 2 1 Retire with beautiful views You’ll love the spectacular views of the beautiful village gardens, croquet lawn and bowling green from your balcony in this spacious apartment. Enjoy a stylish kitchen, large living area and underfloor heating in the bathroom. Diana Isaac Village 1 Lady Isaac Way, Mairehau Call Adrienne or Chris 385 3518 $590,000 TH83 2 1 1 Sun anyone? Enjoy all day sun in this spacious north-facing corner townhouse. With the luxury of your own private patio, you can enjoy the sunshine whilst overlooking the beautiful gardens. Ngaio Marsh Village 95 Grants Road, Papanui Call Danielle 354 6608 TH113 2 1 1 Everything you want Enjoy the sun in this north-east facing home with a private garden. Having a brand new kitchen, separate laundry, large living area and two spacious bedrooms you’ll have plenty of room to have friends and family stay. Ngaio Marsh Village 95 Grants Road, Papanui Call Danielle 354 6608 rymanhealthcare.co.nz/villages/christchurch
Page 1 and 2: THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021 Connecting
Page 3 and 4: NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Canterbury n
Page 5: NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Canterbury n

Nor'West News: April 15, 2021

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?