Through Barnardos NZ, Aotearoa’s national children’s charity, Quannah is able to provide a safe and caring environment for children in their early years.
“A time that is critical for learning development is those first 1000 days,” she says.
Quannah’s education was initially in the performing arts, before gaining a teaching degree.
“I always loved music and singing from a young age. Singing was a way to express myself and my emotions.
“It was and still is a therapeutic outlet.”
Quannah finds those tools from her theatre background useful today for working with kids.
“Storytelling, singing — it helps if you can be a bit silly and playful.”
Further experience was gained working at Gisborne Montessori Preschool, before heading back to Barnardos where she heads up the first integrated early learning and child and family services — “like a one-stop hub location”.
The centre, Awhi Tairāwhiti (meaning “embracing the people of Tairāwhiti”), focuses on providing quality early learning alongside providing family support.
It opened earlier this year and provides a unique combination of Barnardos Early Learning and Child and Family Services for children, young people and their whānau under one roof — an idea that was generated in response to the need for social services and early childhood services in the area.
“It was very apparent that early learning services were still needed here and we had the facilities and the wonderful working relationship with the social workers in our child and family services,” she said.
The service is a community hub for parents and caregivers to find out information about what to expect as a parent, how to best support their child’s development, and where to access other services.
Parents whose tamariki attend the centre can also participate in Barnardos’ workshops and programmes.
During her time spent with youth, Quannah’s views and learning increased.
“Sometimes people just don’t see them, young children. I became more sensitive and it’s so important. That’s really what it’s all about.”
Supporting the whānau is also important to Quannah in the successful development of a child.
Her hard work was acknowledged last month when she received the Tū Rangatira Māori Leadership Award — an award for Māori staff who have shown great leadership.
“I have worked really hard with my team to have an authentic bicultural space,” she says.
That space includes a native nursery at the centre.
“My learning journey has brought me to Barnardos. For me, in a way it’s holistic. I want to do as much as I can for our young tamariki — to take that time and be truly present for them,” Quannah says.
A quote that resonates with her is from inspirational figure Dame Whina Cooper: “Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa.”
