What rangatahi say about their futures

In some of our engagements, rangatahiCloserangatahi
Young person aged 14 – 21 years of ageView the full glossary shared their hopes and aspirations for the future – what they want to achieve and the kind of lives they want to build. Despite their experiences of care, most spoke positively about their futures.

“I want to be a tattoo artist.”

“I want to be a social worker. I want to help kids like me. I would be really good [as a social worker] and I would work here [at the youth justice residence].”

“[City] orchestra [is a goal] and [to] study music at university and who knows where I go. From a few hours from now, I’m going to practice for an exam. I [can] play [instrument] at the end [of the interview] before you go, I can give you a sample.”

“I want to be the first kid in my family to graduate. I’m Year 11 but got put up to Year 12, which I’m proud of. If I finish school next year, I’ll be the first to graduate. I want to get [University Entrance] and save for a car. I’m enrolled in school and a mentor at course. I’m slowly getting my licence. My long-term plan is to be a lawyer and own a car. In the meantime, I want to finish school, save money and get [University Entrance] to study a Bachelor of Laws.”

“Everything in my life has been based on survival more than just enjoying [life]. The focus is on staying alive and functioning. I want to create an environment [for my baby] I did not have. Speaking to mum, of course I can. [I want] that financial stability, to set him up [for life]. [It was] shit [to] feel bad asking [for things] when [I was] little. [I] want him to know I can [do anything for him] at any point.”

“I want to be a pilot. I love seeing different countries and speaking new languages. I’m learning on Duolingo [language learning app].”

“I really like building. It is my passion. I want to work in that industry, learn more and improve my skills in building and construction and hopefully to have my own construction company when I get older.”

“I want to help people. I’ve thought about law, social worker, veterinarian and paramedic. I definitely want to help people. The thing about this [care and protection residence] and why all the good staff leave is to do with the other staff. The good staff are not manipulative *****. I’m good at talking to people and getting things out there, so I want to do that in the future.”

“I want to go to the army. I got to train, probably wait until I’m a few years older so I’m properly trained. Told my social worker about it and she’s supporting me to do that.”