Mediaworks Foundation Hui an eye-opener for Dreamers

I Have a Dream have been lucky enough to be supported by the MediaWorks Foundation for the past three years with promotional support including creating and airing TV and radio ads for us, nationwide. In addition, each year we’re invited to a Hui which brings together their current charities. This year that included I Have a Dream, Garden to Table and StarJam.

I Have a Dream Year 7 Navigator, Boudene Hauraki, took four Dreamers with him to the Hui to share what we do for our community and tamariki. The selected Dreamers included Rhythm Taua-Glassie (Year 7), Rhya-Jay Tawa (Year 7), Haze Heta (Year 7) and Noagan Nepia (Year 8). These particular Dreamers were chosen for how well they represent I Have a Dream from their involvement in fundraising initiatives, attendance in school, after-school programmes and extra-curricular activities as well as their confident speaking abilities.

The presentation was conducted in a panel style interview with a crowd of around 50 MediaWorks staff and friends. The Dreamers were asked a range of questions from what activities they do to how they feel about their Navigators. The responses from the Dreamers were delivered so articulately that they made a huge impression on the audience. Not only were they approached and personally congratulated by attendees after the presentation, but Sarah Cotter, Head of Mediaworks Foundation, invited the Dreamers to the studio to watch the 6pm news – live. The Dreamers were taken through the Mediaworks control room, met some presenters from Newshub, Radio Live, Seven Sharp and Jono & Ben. This was a huge buzz for our tamariki and an experience they will not forget in a hurry! Rhya-Jay commented afterwards that she’ll “never be able to watch the news in the same way again”.

It is not every day nor even every year, that our Dreamers are able to visit Auckland and represent I Have a Dream. Whilst financial support goes a long way to help our tamariki, what the MediaWorks Foundation provided these Dreamers was something even more positive and powerful – an amazing experience which delivered a sense of immense pride. We’re incredibly humbled and thankful for the opportunity and continued support the MediaWorks Foundation provide us.

Kia ora!