the real story behind the knowledge box

Left to right: Jeanette Voyce SuperGrans Manager, Chris Bishop National List MP, Ray Wallace Lower Hutt Mayor, Leole Malama DIA, Paula Birnie,SuperGrans Volunteer Erin McMenamin Former SuperGrans Manager.

Whilst SuperGrans is better known as having its main office based in the Hutt. The real story behind the knowledge box started here in Porirua. This concept came to life based on my first hand experience of working right here in the heart of Porirua as a volunteer mentor with disadvantaged families.

It was during this time I also completed training with Arohata women's prison in preparation for delivering cooking and lifestyle workshops with women who were preparing to return to life on the outside. The workshops did not eventuate, however, the training provided an insight into some of the challenges these women would face during their rehabilitation.

For me the key with the knowledge box was to ensure it remained as flexible as possible and accessible to multiple demographic groups, and not necessarily just the disadvantaged.During the research and writing phase I had a number of people indicate that this product could be really helpful for university students often leaving home for the very first time as well as other groups requiring that additional support in household management.

The Knowledge Box has certainly attracted and captivated an audience. A simple but effective idea with the opportunity to support many an affluent person as well as the  socio economically disadvantaged.

Whilst initially designed for the Wellington region, much of the material is generic with only one or two cards requiring localised changes to make it adaptable for other regions. It is hoped that this product will not only generate a financial return for SuperGrans but will also help to empower both clients and volunteers alike and help provide a little more resilience and stability in our client's lives.

A special thank you to National List MP Chris Bishop for attending the SuperGrans Charitable Trust 21st Birthday and providing these fabulous photographs from the day. It was great to see Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace talk so emphatically about the work of SuperGrans over the years and the thousands of people helped in the community during that time. Both Chris and Ray showed a genuine interest in the organisation and I know their continued support will be very much appreciated.

For more information on the knowledge box see this article on the www.familybudgeting.org.nz website.