Teaching young students that it’s okay to ask for help

We’re delighted to celebrate the launch of ‘Who is a SWiS and what do they do?’ – a wonderful book created by our SWiS (Social Workers in Schools) team.

This thoughtfully written and beautifully illustrated book teaches school students that SWiS are there if they need to talk about anything that’s worrying them at school or at home.

The launch event was held at Iosis last week and we were thrilled with the turnout, including representatives from the Oranga Tamariki and other local social service agencies, as well as our SWiS/MASSiSS team and the schools they support. Heidi Austin-Crawford, former SWiS Manager and
co-illustrator, read the book to great applause.

“This book has been a labour of love by the whole SWiS team, and we’re so thrilled to finally have it published,” says Heidi. “Through simple, child-like messaging and illustrations, teachers can let children know that we’re there to help, no matter what’s going on in their lives.”

“The launch was a very special event and reason to celebrate,” says Tunumafono Tracey-Leigh Peters, Iosis CEO. “This book is an important milestone in our mahi in schools – reassuring children that there is always someone they can talk to. By reaching these children early, we can ensure that little problems don’t become bigger problems in later life.”

Gift a book to a school and change little lives

Due to limited funding, we’re only able to print a small number of these books. Yet the more schools they reach, the more children our SWiS team can support through the ups and downs of school and home life.

If you can, your gift of $20 for a book or $55 for three books – has the power to change children’s lives. Please donate today (use the reference ‘SWiS’) – thank you!

Ngā mihi nui, and God bless.