Mum’s the Word
On Tuesday 9 September the team at Manukau Community Ministries had the joy of welcoming a group of young women from the Teen Parents Unit in South Auckland. Community Ministries Manager Grace Chan was approached by educators who were aware the girls needed some broader support.
The purpose of the day was to get to know the mums, introduce them to The Salvation Army’s wrap-around services and reassure them support is always available from the team at the centre.
Grace explains that the day began with a warm mihi whakatau and morning tea which set the tone for safe connection, learning, and aroha. The mums participated in two practical and empowering workshops—one on money concepts and budgeting, and the other on food security including how to access the foodbank.
‘These sessions were designed to equip the girls with tools for everyday life,’ says Grace, ‘and the engagement was inspiring. A highlight of the day was the shopping opportunity at our foodbank. It was heartening to observe the mums thoughtfully discussing what they needed, and then carefully selecting items within the points range they were allocated. Their decision-making showed maturity, collaboration, and a deep sense of responsibility.’
The young women from the Teen Parents Unit ranged in age from 15 through to 20. What is not commonly known is that teen mothers who are under 18 are heavily dependent on their parents or partners for financial support. While the government assists with grants directly related to the care of the baby, an underage teen mum receives no benefit herself.
‘I noticed that during whanaungatanga there was some awkwardness,’ says Wellbeing Team Leader Raewyn Heke. ‘I shared my lived experience getting pregnant at 16 and having my first baby at 17—my son is 43 now and I’m a grandmother to mokopuna older than most of them! I know what it feels like to be that pregnant young woman out in public arriving anywhere, seeing the looks and feeling the judgement. I wanted to model to them that this is life, things happen, and they determine their future’
As a treat for the young mums Rae and her team cooked a simple but delicious meal of buttered chicken to demonstrate how nutritious food can be prepared with limited resources. The girls went home with the recipe and the ingredients from the foodbank to try at home.
‘It was so good to cook for them’, says Rae. ‘All mums need a meal cooked for them from time to time—especially mums of little kids.’
Grace and Rae hope the day was the beginning of a long partnership with Teen Parents Unit. Rae runs a fortnightly adult hikoi group for wahine and believes the programme would be ideal for the young women and that the content as well as the contact with other women would meet many of their current needs. The hikoi programme includes life skills classes, cooking on a budget and points to shop at the foodbank with.
‘We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with these young women,’ says Grace. ‘Their presence brought energy and hope, and we were proud to walk alongside them, even for a short time. I was especially proud of the Manukau CM team—an example of the Army that truly brings life. Their dedication and heart made this day not only possible but deeply meaningful.’
