Success Stories

Below is one of our YMCA success stories

---

Katie's Story
 

Katie found out about the YMCA Young Parents  Programme while pregnant with her second baby. It had not been an easy period for Katie whose mother was in Hospice care and passed away in October 2010. The information about the Young Parents Programme came as a blessing, with Katie now looking forward to going to UCOL having left school at a young age with few NCEA credits.

Katie has new aspirations and a new found confidence, and is bubbling with energy, “I want to get qualified and do something in my life. I want to do business management. I came in when baby was three months. I have never looked back since.  Every young mum should come here.”

Katie recalled being virtually dormant with the first baby, but the YMCA Young Parents Programme now gives her a positive reason to get up in the morning. For Katie this has been a massive turnaround, “Before I thought staying at home was going to be my life forever and then I came here, where I can study and have someone help to look after my baby. Before, I didn’t have friends because my boyfriend didn’t let me. We all feel comfortable around each other and we have become friends. There are some new mums that are scared but we all support each other.”

The supportive environment is carefully fostered by Cathy the programme tutor and Katie has found that she is not only her tutor but is also a friend. The whole environment has given Katie a new approach to life, and she sees the course as good for the baby, as there are other babies to socialise with, as well as a positive environment to be in. She has noticed her second baby is less clingy because of this.

Leaving the course later in the year after gaining the necessary credits means stepping up to UCOL, which is exciting and a little scary. But Katie knows it is the right next step, “I don’t really want to leave here, but I know I have to, to continue learning”.

---

NEWS ARTICLES FOR EDUCATION SUCCESS STORIES