Faces of Service: Jack

"One of my first memories of the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) was in the Christchurch earthquakes, even though I was only 6 at the time. I remember going out on the street with my high vis and my little shovel and bucket, shovelling up silt around the surrounding streets. So for me, it came full circle when I had the opportunity to sign up for SVA and later set up and lead our kura's group.

I was inspired by TED Talks (from the likes of Lucy Grey, who organised the climate strikes in 2019) as well as other SVA members at my old kura and members of service in my whānau. My grandad was a police officer who, in his spare time, worked on running the Special Olympics; my grandma advocated for vulnerable members in the community through our legal system; and my uncle was a member of the Red Cross during the Christchurch earthquakes. All of this has had an impact on the way I view leadership and service. It gave me the drive to set up our school's first SVA group, starting in 2024. We have gathered 70-plus students who have contributed over 1,600 hours so far this year.

SVA teaches you how to adapt your knowledge. You learn how to make it work and how to be resourceful. Some of the skills and lessons you won't learn anywhere else. For our local hapori (community), SVA has provided a chance for recognition for students and all their amazing mahi (work). For students already doing this work, it gives them a platform to succeed.

When I started with SVA, it was for the badges. However, I quickly learnt what extensive opportunities it provides by putting students into their local communities, networking and allowing students to network for their own benefits, making friends while they do it. So, I highly endorse anyone who takes up the challenge of committing to SVA."