Teen voices during troubled times in Tauranga

Photo taken by Ben Campbell.

‘Black Lives Matter' protests have been the centre of most Tauranga students' lives, yet the importance of teachers' roles in the movement is often unrecognised.

Papamoa student Santiago Sanchez's social media has been inundated with posts for awareness of the ‘Black Lives Matter' movement, followed with hundreds of likes and reposts from teenagers across Aotearoa.

The 16-year-old has been at the forefront of Tauranga's involvement in the movement, helping organise the past two protests during the previous month, with a third one planned for Sunday.

'Young voices are important for the stamina of moments like these. We spend a lot of time online, so we're more exposed to global perspectives and injustice than previous generations,” says Santiago.

'Within Tauranga, our voices are often silenced because we can't vote, and our message is often viewed to come from a place of hate rather than a place of inclusiveness and eagerness to learn and self-improve.”

The recent events have been in the wake of American man George Floyd's death, and have prompted the advocacy of indigenous rights within Aotearoa, including education.

Papamoa College teacher Angela Stensness emphasises a teacher's position within teenage organisations, such as ‘Black Lives Matter', and the change in education goals between generations.

'While previous generations were taught to fit the industrial revolution mold, modern learning should make a difference for themselves and for the world around them.”

Angela says this change in perspective is requiring teachers to help students critically analyse, problem solve, prioritise empathy, and support them to take a respectful stance, rather than creating ‘knowledge robots' and supplying skills for jobs rather than life skills.

For Santiago, organising events and creating space for people to share experiences is crucial within Aotearoa, as they believe the battle isn't over until systems of oppression are abolished and minorities can feel safe in their communities and speak confidently about the injustice they face.

Angela encourages adults to see the potential learning which comes from the younger generation and attend next march on Sunday, July 5, from 12-3pm, which starts at Coronation Park and ends at Hopukiore (Mount Drury).

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6 comments

What a load of

Posted on 03-07-2020 10:45 | By Mein Fuhrer

racist garbage these culture warriors spout out, first off by stating Black Lives Matter, you are in effect saying that all other lives don't matter, Yes it was a tragedy that a black crim was killed by a white police officer, but that doesn't imply that all white cops are killers, in fact if you read the facts a white cop in the USA is 28 times more likely to be killed by a black man than a black man is likely to be killed by a white cop. Stop blaming whitey for all your ills, how about thanking him for building up this western society that enabled you to live the life you lead where you can speak your mind and get an education, but alas it seams the education system has been over run by communist leaning left wing liberals that are fooling our youth.


@ Mein Fuhrer

Posted on 03-07-2020 11:49 | By Equality

Well said! Pity the youth in this article haven't got better things to do! Any excuse to jump on a band wagon and present an 'anti' view, regardless if the 'cause' has no relevance in our country! Yes - they are the racists! I am disgusted that the teacher in question is supporting this BS! White lives matter too! Some people need to see which side their bread is buttered on and keep their mouths shut!


Unbalanced and unfair.

Posted on 03-07-2020 15:58 | By morepork

It causes me grave concern when I see a young New Zealander being quoted as saying: "...battle isn't over until systems OF OPPRESSION are abolished and minorities can feel safe in THEIR COMMUNITIES." So this "system of oppression" would be the NZ Police? And minorities are to live in "separate communities". Separate from whom? The rest of the Kiwi population? What about ONE country where EVERYBODY gets a fair deal and there is no apartheid development? Minorities can have their culture respected but they don't get special treatment. ALL lives matter. If our youth are not being taught that, then our Education system is more seriously flawed than most people realize. I won't be at the march...


Santiago....

Posted on 03-07-2020 19:55 | By groutby

...you say 'your' generation have been 'more exposed to global perspectives and injustice than previous generations'...WOW! ..what a sheltered life you must lead. Please think about what you have said for a moment...we know that history is not a popular teaching in schools now, but if you had been taught knowledge and fact you will soon realise that so much injustice occurred in the past it would blow your mind if you are able to open it...'previous generations' were not subject to injustice?'..I don't know where to start, maybe recently in WW2 remember there was a holocaust? ( yes..it ACTUALLY happened)..more recent and so many past events caused 'injustices' and you know the main difference between 'your' generation and the past?.. tolerance and understanding.. coming from honesty and knowledge..there is little of that from 'now' people..the truth hurts sometimes but it is still the truth...spot on Mein Fuhrer..


@ Mein Fuhrer and Equality

Posted on 03-07-2020 21:40 | By Yadick

Well said. Agree totally. However I wouldn't call them warriors - far from it. If they think they're adults doing this garbage then it's about time to get their thumb out of their mouth. This rubbish doesn't apply to NZ.


Joke

Posted on 04-07-2020 06:42 | By GWHtpt

Racism in this country is terrible !!!! But if you think it’s only the one group doing it your kidding yourself it goes in a lot of different angles. And as for the teacher from Papamoa college she should be addressing the bullying at that school !!! Terrible school were all the teachers do is put there heads in the sand when issues arise!!!


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