Site visit for Building Regula...
Our NZ Certificate in Building Regulatory Environment (BRE) in-class stream of students had the opportunity to see their learning...
Domestic violence survivor Arlene Dolocanog is realising her dream to help others in dire need. The mother of three has been a perpetual health student since February, 2020 at Future Skills Academy, Royal Oak.
Arlene, 56 is shaping a new life after a traumatic start in New Zealand. Born in the Philippines, she immigrated here in 1996, married a Kiwi and gave birth to her son three years later. "Living in a foreign land without the support of my family was hard enough, let alone living with a very abusive husband," she says. Enduring the toxic relationship for five years took its toll. "Going through all that by myself was the hardest thing that ever happened to me. I am still standing and breathing only by the grace of God, enjoying every blessing that comes my way."
Arlene finally made her escape in April 2001 after dropping her husband to court for a civil case involving a weed clearing dispute with the council. “It was the perfect time for me to run as I had my son and my sister in the car,” she says. As she fled, Arlene was stopped for speeding. The policeman discovered her restricted licence had expired. But when he learned of her plight, he let her off on the condition she enrolled the next day for her full licence.
Two years later life took a turn for the better. Arlene met her new partner and with him raised two more children, now teenagers. Driven by a passion to care for people, the stay-at-home mum enrolled in the free programme NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Caregiving) Level 2. She conquered the programme during the turbulent times of Auckland’s first Alert level 4 lockdown. “Having a supportive teacher, friendly and welcoming environment made me realise study was not as hard as I thought it would be.”
Graduating fuelled her hunger for more knowledge. She went on to gain the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Support Work Strand) Level 3. Now Arlene is taking the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Mental Health and Addiction Support Work) Level 4. “I love being at school which gives me a sense of belonging. Coming to school every day is like coming home to my family.” Studying in a family oriented, supportive, and accommodating environment makes learning easy and bearable, she says. “It makes me realise it’s not too late to improve and that I can do so much more.”
Arlene says she is determined to finish level 4 so she can help people struggling with addiction. She thrives on meeting different cultures and “finding new sisters for life” at the academy.“Having a relaxed and friendly environment makes my study enjoyable.”
