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Studying social work while supporting whānau through their hardest days is no small feat. A HealthCarePlus grant is helping Jimmy Markose do both.
By day, Jimmy Markose is an Awhi Ora support worker, working alongside people through some of the toughest stretches of their lives. By night, and most hours in between, he’s a student, working towards a Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work.
It’s a demanding combination, but one that comes from a clear place. “My inspiration came from a passion for helping people through times of difficulty and hardship,” says Jimmy. “Seeing the impact that care can have on someone pushed me towards social work.”
In his support role, Jimmy helps people and their whānau from a wide range of communities: Māori, Pasifika, Asian, Rainbow, Whaikaha (disabled), youth and people with lived experience of alcohol, drug and gambling harm. The work is varied, but the thread running through is constant: helping people access the right services and build their sense of wellbeing. As the words ‘awhi ora’ mean in te reo Māori: ‘walking alongside’.
“I help people and their whānau mainly by connecting them with services, supporting their wellbeing and helping them to work towards their goals,” he says. “Through this work I’ve been able to contribute positively to my community.”
His NZQA Level 7 degree is deepening that practice and teaching him to be respectful and responsive in ways that supports others. “The course is helping me become more competent at helping people to make real positive changes in their lives,” he says.
Like many juggling work, study and living costs, Jimmy found the financial side of studying a genuine source of stress. The HealthCarePlus Grant for Good, which he heard about through his workplace, peers and PSA union, has eased that pressure considerably.
“The grant has covered my tuition for one academic year, and that’s lifted a real burden,” says Jimmy. “I can focus on learning and my professional development, rather than worrying about the cost.”
Jimmy encourages others to give the grant application process a go, if they are facing similar challenges balancing work and study. “Be straightforward about your circumstances and explain why the grant would help. Even if you have doubts, apply; it can make a real difference, both academically and financially.”
For Jimmy, the goal stretches well beyond graduation.
“I’m aiming to graduate next year, and I want to help people and whānau build their wellbeing and access the support they need at the same time as growing my own knowledge. I want to make a difference in society.”
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