Foster care teens' efforts win awards

Anne Tolley. Photo / NZME.

Nineteen youths with unsettled upbringings were honoured for their outstanding achievements at a special ceremony yesterday.

The annual William Wallace Awards, which are run by Child Youth and Family, were held at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

The awards are named after William Wallace, a former foster child who left a generous bequest to Child, Youth and Family, and are intended to nurture children and young people in care, and help them develop their potential.

Sabrina Hemara received one of two Ministry of Social Development Leadership Awards at yesterday's ceremony.

The 17-year-old from Maraetai in Auckland has been under the care of her foster mum, Denise Habraken, for the past 18 months, but has been in foster care since she was 13.

Ms Hemara had just returned from Ethiopia, where she helped build earthen homes with Habitat for Humanity.

Looking to the future Ms Hemara wants to join the New Zealand Army, and be a flight engineer or driver, but next year she will use her award to do an Outward Bound course.

"I am so proud of myself for coming this far, it feels so good. It's life-changing."

Maori All Black Joe Royal was the special guest of honour and spent the day with the award winners.

He said it was a "humbling and inspirational" experience.

Minister for Social Development Anne Tolley presented the 19 teens with their awards yesterday.

"Not only are they inspirations to their schools and communities, but to other young people in care facing similar hardships."