PUBLISHED MARCH 2024
Sheree Nicholas began mentoring First Foundation scholars in 2003
Three time First Foundation mentor, Sheree Nicholas with one of her former mentees, Ana Fukofuka
“I loved the fact the whole concept was a hand-up, not a hand-out. I’m big around giving back, but a lot of charities don’t know what to do with the support they receive. I liked that the people running First Foundation were businesspeople who knew how to be smart with money, with networking connections and involving different stakeholders.”
“For everyone, the transformation from school to university is a bumpy one. These students are all from financially disadvantaged families, but their ability to deal with inevitable roadblocks is the differentiating factor,” she says.
Shanna Rope is just one of the scholars whom Sheree has mentored. Shanna, who attended One Tree Hill College, completed a degree in Māori media and broadcasting and won the 2012 Trustee Award. She has gone on to be a secondary school teacher of Te Reo Māori and is inspiring many young people to find their voice.
The biggest gem
Shanna describes Sheree as the ‘biggest gem’, who provided the extra factor she needed to get through her tertiary studies.
“We built a solid connection throughout the journey, and she really understood me and provided support that really helped,” Shanna says.
Another of the scholars Sheree mentored is Ana Fukofukao. She earned a Bachelor of Nursing and has herself become a First Foundation mentor.
Sheree offers sage advice to those considering a First Foundation mentorship. “You’re not mentoring kids who’ve gone off the rails. They are all really incredible kids; some of them just want time. It’s not onerous,” she says.
Shanna Rope and Sheree Nicholas
“It’s eye-opening, and it makes me a more rounded person. I’ve gotten so much out of watching these talented young people grow into incredible adults.”
Supporting a First Foundation scholar is your chance to change the life of a young person and their family – present and future. Playing a role in this is a privilege that we’d love to share with you. To find out more about becoming a First Foundation mentor, please contact Chelsea Bates or click here to find out more.
