VOYCE
We are VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, which stands for Voices of the Young and Care Experienced – Listen to me. Established in 2017, we are an independent charity organisation that helps to advocate for the approximately 4,400 children in care (children in foster or whanau care) and those with care experience in New Zealand. We exist to amplify the voices of these children to ensure that they are heard – so as to positively influence their individual care and to collectively affect change in the wider care system. VOYCE was co-designed by children with care experience for children with care experience.
We are guided by our five pillars (Pou) of: Connection (Tūhono), Individual Advocacy (Whakamana), Collective Voice (Whakatairanga), Equipping and Enabling for the Future (Whai Pūkenga), and Building Leadership (Rangatiratanga).
We are advised by a passionate group of care experienced Youth Advocates and Leaders and governed by a committed and experienced Board of Trustees that includes care experienced members.
Our aims include:
- Organising connection events for tamariki to meet, have fun and share ideas with other children and young people in care
- Connecting children and young people in care with advocates and trusted adults to help them have their say
-
Supporting care experienced tamariki and rangatahi to share their perspectives in their words, when key decisions are made affecting them
-
Working alongside Iwi and Māori organisations as well as other groups in the community, to build a support network around children and young people in care
-
Developing a care-experienced community, to build an even stronger voice to the system
-
Supporting and developing a group of care experienced young people to be advocates and leaders, promoting the voice of care experience on the big issues affecting them
What the Fund will support:
The purpose of this fund is to help VOYCE deliver connection, support and advocacy to children and young people across Aotearoa as they journey through the care system and step into adulthood. Funding will go towards creating safe in-person and online spaces, to connect rangatahi with peers who understand - nurturing friendship, identity and belonging.
VOYCE champions individual cases and leads collective campaigns that shape policy and public attitudes. This fund will enable VOYCE to hold leadership workshops, mentoring and creative projects that build confidence and future-ready skills with care experienced young people, while working alongside iwi, Māori organisations, Government and philanthropic allies keep their mahi culturally grounded and sustainably funded. Together with Auckland Foundation, this fund will help build a nationwide community where every young person in care is seen, heard and empowered.
