Levi was the first student to be sponsored by the Enable Rangatiratanga Charitable Trust. He came from a difficult family background and was considered to be at risk. His potential was recognised by Fraser Smith, who was principal of his school at the time. Fraser decided to find a way for Levi to attend Whangarei Boys High School as a boarder. Fraser’s hope was that this would provide Levi not only with a high-quality education, but also a break from a stressful home life.
“The whole experience gave me so much, but most important was the extended family I was part of as a live-in boarder… The contacts and friends I made there helped set me up here in Auckland, and opened doors that have allowed me to pursue a career…” — Levi
With the help of several funders, the Trust provided for Levi’s full tuition and accommodation. In addition, Fraser also ensured that Levi was surrounded by a network of whanau and caring professionals who worked together to support his success.
Levi attended Whangarei Boys High School from 2017 to 2021, becoming head boarder and a powerful role model within his community. He later went on to study law at university and has now decided to pursue a career within the dairy industry.
Fraser recently caught up with Levi to find out how he’s been doing. Here’s what he said:
“I was so grateful for the opportunity to attend Whangarei Boys High school as a live-in boarder. Moving from Kaitaia to Whangarei had a very positive effect on my youth and development.
I found WBH provided me with a very balanced education. The teachers and tutors provided me with all I needed to extend myself towards university and a career. I made the most of the sports facilities, like the tennis court and swimming pool, and played regularly at Kensington Hockey stadium. I even enjoyed the food! I became head boarder at the hostel before I left to attend law school.
The whole experience gave me so much, but most important was the extended family I was part of as a live-in boarder. It was a home away from home. The contacts and friends I made there helped set me up here in Auckland, and opened doors that have allowed me to pursue a career in management within the dairy industry, a field that really interests me.”
Levi is an inspiration to his family, his community, and to everyone at the Trust. His story motivates us and our funders to provide similar opportunities to underserved children across the Far North.