Parent Testimonials
Following are powerful testimonials from the parents of MIOMO students.
Over a period of time I sat and watched my beautiful loving granddaughter slowly retreat into herself and become belligerent, offensive and have a really bad attitude. As her grandmother I felt the close bond that she and I had was slipping away and I felt so helpless. Then through my work place I was sent literature on Miomo and felt that this could be an answer. I forwarded it onto my granddaughter leaving it in her hands as to whether she would take up this opportunity. She took her time but eventually said that this course was something she felt she would benefit from. I was delighted. We all know when we have just one problem in our lives it can touch and affect so many people.
At graduation, I was blown away! This young woman who had been like a ‘sail less boat floundering around at sea’ who now had taken great leaps to remedy the ‘demons’ holding her back in life. In ten days she had been given the tools and skills to become independent, motivated, understanding and compassionate. She had been given a great start and was excited at the new journey she was prepared now to take. I cried with pride and knew that deep inside that ‘not so nice’ teenager was a very capable young lady who had been crying out for help.
Given the opportunity I cannot stop talking about Miomo and the wonderful community service that this course provides to young adults who could otherwise slip through the cracks and end up making bad decisions in life. to deal with to help her grow into a complete person.
Thank you Yvonne and your wonderful team for touching my family in such a positive way.
-Anna Phillips (A very proud Nana) Grandmother of Jesse Creagh – June 16th 2011
Hi Yvonne,
I would like to thank you for being such an inspiration for my son Kris. He never mentioned the fact that he was a bit hesistant to do Miomo. I only learnt that later. He thoroughly enjoyed the course as it gave him the confidence to carry on with his plans to move overseas.
He has suddenly grown up and is acting so reponsibily that I am amazed. I was rather nervous to send him abroad on his own without me to monitor his every move but after listening to you I have realised that I need to let him go and let him take charge of his own life. If I keep holding him back he will never grow into a confident adult.
Kris and I will both keep in touch with you and hope your work with young adults can reach all the young adults out there that need help and guidance . They are the future.
I would recommend Miomo to all my friends with no hesitation as it is a course that I wish could be made compulsory for all young adults to attend. Maybe it could be part of the school curriculum like at 6th or 7th form level.
- Lisa Petersson July 2011
“When we first heard of MIOMO, as parents we welcomed the concept and knew this was a unique opportunity but we had to convince our daughter this was not ‘just another course’.”
We wanted Melissa to gain from the MIOMO experience practical life skills which schools are not able to teach and as parents, we endeavor to pass on but are often ignored by our children.
Right from Day One she was like a sponge taking in and participating in all aspects.
Melissa has learnt some invaluable lessons which has prepared her well for her future and helped her identify her strengths and combine her love of sport and English.
Yvonne, we want to thank you for helping our daughter identify her own strengths, for supporting and guiding her in her goal setting and for teaching her practical life skills she will never forget.
MIOMO will be an experience she will not forget and because of the family atmosphere and participation we hope that other families will get an opportunity to participate in future MIOMO courses. We consider ourselves very fortunate.”
- Brian & Tui Kerr
“We are the grandparents of Kade, we raised him since he was a baby and consider him our own son.Growing up he was always happy and secure, making sure to achieve academically.
However, we started to see changes in Kade, such as being introverted and showing a lack of responsibility.This change in character was revealed through him being impatient to what we had to say, disrespectful to us and uncooperative in general. Little did we know Kade was taking drugs and mixing with the wrong crowd.
Since joining MIOMO we have seen clear changes in Kade. From his conduct to his attitude towards us, he has demonstrated an overall maturity. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the MIOMO team for equipping Kade with life-long skills.”
- Basil & Marina David
“I am here writing to express our thanks and appreciation for the excellent course MIOMO, my son Kevin Ma is one of the fortunate attendants.
We first heard about MIOMO from the newsletter of Westlake Boys High School. Immediately I was attracted by the concepts and contents of this course. I talked to Kevin and he had no interest at all. As he believed he had all the skills outlined in the newsletter and he has no alcohol and drug problems.
After attending the introduction meeting Kevin agreed to join MIOMO.
During the course I could see he was listening to you and really respected your opinions. I could feel his changes. He is now willing to take more responsibilities at home and show his respect and appreciation to family members.
It has been one of our best decisions to send Kevin to MIOMO. I am confident what he has leant will play an important role in his career.
Thank you Yvonne for designing and organising this brilliant course, I have no hesitation to recommend to any of my friends. Without this course, we probably never know how Kevin thinks of us, as parents. We cried during his speech and our hearts are full of pride and thanks.”
- Michael Ma & Ellen Sun
Our son Jamie Golightly attended the MIOMO course from November 23 – December 18.He finished school at the end of 2009 and had no idea of the direction that he wanted his life to move in.
We went along to an information evening to hear more about MIOMO. Jamie then decided that it sounded like something he would like to attend.
Before the course began he was a little hesitant, and possibly even a little negative about attending – even though it had been his decision to do it. Within a week he had completely changed his mind!
As the time went by Jamie became more positive about things, and a much happier person around the home. At times he was challenged by the content of the course, pushing him beyond his comfort zone. This was a positive experience for him and showed him that he has the skills and ability to achieve as a successful adult.Jamie is now equipped with some relevant skills to help him consider his options – and has some concrete knowledge about his strengths and values to help make the decisions he needs to make.
We cannot recommend strongly enough this course to other teenagers, Yvonne’s commitment to the course and her support of the students was fantastic. She has an innate understanding of their needs and relates to them with enthusiasm and respect.
We are grateful Jamie had the opportunity to participate in MIOMO, he would not hesitate to be involved again if given the chance.
- Donna and Doug Golightly
“Miomo proved to be an invaluable time for our son.
He enjoyed the inspiring and varied topics and speakers, shared truths and experiences, as well as the friendships he made within the diverse yet tight knit group that formed.
He came out of the course more well grounded and rounded, more clear about himself and his future. I would highly recommend it as it met the needs of each of the teens regardless of their challenges and situations.
Our son has only the highest regard for Yvonne and thinks she is ”cool”. She has the ability to transform every participant to lift their game and be their best self.
MIOMO is an extremely well honed course of growth, responsibility and motivation. The personal concern and connection Yvonne has for each one of her students is amazing.
Thank you so very much to Yvonne, the inspirational speakers and support staff who made the course so dynamic the positive results on all seemed magic.”
- Dennis & Joan Row
The transformation of our son Warwick is incredible. When we first saw the course being offered, we knew that Warwick would benefit from the course to complete our 18 years of educating our child. It is what was needed to get him from scholar to adult. When we attended his Miomo graduation this week, we were two proud parents. He spoke with conviction and self confidence, so different from November last year when we pleaded with him to consider attending the course.
He thanked us at the dinner table the other night for giving him the opportunity to attend Miomo and said that as we had told him, he would not regret attending the course and would thank us one day. I didn’t expect the appreciation so soon after the course. I feel that Warwick is empowered and armed with so much more wisdom to take on that nasty world out there on his own. I could not have wished for a better finishing school than Miomo. Thank you for giving our children the opportunities that we never had.
- John and Wilma Palm.
We heard about MIOMO through the Fletcher Construction Employee Education Fund, and were immediately taken by the course content. At the time our son James was experiencing deep depression and had a major character change. He had dropped out of school and couldn’t complete his end of year exams. He was not enthusiastic to the idea of “doing a course”, but a call from Yvonne turned him around and he actually got quite excited about going.
We live in Tauranga so we didn’t see James from when we dropped him off in Auckland to 3 and half weeks later when we arrived for the graduation. From the texts and phone calls from James and emails from Yvonne we could tell he was having a great time. Yvonne had brought together an amazing collection of inspirational speakers and they definitely made an impact on James’ life. He has returned a young man with a new zest for life with some definite goals in place for his future.
This programme should be a part of every college curriculum as it would enhance students in their future direction and give them valuable tools to establish goals, to know who they are and what they want out of life.
It has been a real blessing to be a part of MIOMO and we want to express our heartfelt thanks to Yvonne and her team for the time and input into this programme.
- Walter & Tracey Annear
When we first heard of MIOMO, as parents we welcomed the concept and knew this was a unique opportunity. We talked to Stacey, told her about the course and encouraged her to apply as she was leaving school at the end of December 2009. She was applying for an Early Childhood course in 2010 and we felt this was just the kick start she needed to make it on her own.
Like many young people, Stacey has a lot of potential but she was not confident in her own ability. She knew what she wanted to do upon leaving school but was hesitant. We felt she would gain life skills from this course, some self confidence and come away with a definite direction, it would give her a boost.
Stacey was initially reluctant to attend and ‘give up’ her holiday however, she loved the course. Right from Day One she was bubbling over with enthusiasm, the new friends she was making, the speakers imparting their valuable knowledge and of course the Director. She particularly enjoyed hearing Peter Taylor speak as she has a horse of her own.
Stacey has grown so much from this experience; she knows where she wants go in life and what she needs to do to get there.
We have no hesitation in recommending MIOMO to any parent considering sending their teenager on this course.
- Christine and Steve Watt
Yvonne – how can words express the gratitude for your passion and belief in young people to launch a course such as Miomo. It is a great testament to your expertise and clear direction in what you wanted to pass on to these young people, not to mention the amazing support attained from the community along with the high caliber of presenters.
Whilst Cameron came to the course with a direction of what he wanted to achieve on leaving school, Miomo has helped him clarify how to achieve these goals and given him guidance, skills and tools to help him get there. Miomo also gave him the confidence to liaise with different levels of people and a confidence to believe in himself. He gained experiences he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to prior to leaving for university and as such allowed him to transition from a school leaver into an independent young man ready to take on Health Science at Otago – what a great start
As a parent I too have learnt – I can let go and have the peace of mind he will be ok and can make it on his own in the ‘real world’. I not only consider it a privilege but also feel very fortunate that my son had the opportunity to partake in Miomo, as I’m sure does he. In fact, he is very fond of his new Miomo family and extremely grateful for all he got to experience.
I’d strongly recommend to young people that if you have the opportunity to attend Miomo – grab it with open arms.
- Raewyn Beech
Whilst not having major conflict/problems with our relationship, I have noticed a difference in Darryn since his return from Miomo, life at home is certainly more harmonious. Also I feel confident that I have done all I can now to equip my son with the life skills & confidence he needs to go out into the real world of “life after being a school pupil”.
Even Darryn admitted it would be really great if all kids could experience MIOMO after leaving school or for older school pupils prior to leaving school to give them an aim in life.
- Glenda Krutz
Just a brief note to express my Families gratitude and thanks for the support Fletcher has shown and the hard work the Miomo team have put into this programme. I am not sure if the timing could have been better, as Izaac is heading of to America (Camp America) today full of confidence and brimming with a new zest for life.
I am sure some of the things that were learnt and discussed during the Miomo programme will assist Izaac in his travels to a new Country dealing with all sorts of different people and situations. We are both very proud of Izaac and how he has accepted the challenge to improve himself and go and see a bit of the World.
Once again on behalf of my Family and I thanks, and all the success in the Future.
Regards
- Rob and Anita Taggart
Thank you from my heart for all that you have taught and shared with Rebecca in the time she spent with you.
Since graduating from Miomo we have noticed Rebecca come out of her shell and really blossomed.
Her approch to life is enthusiastic and she has an “I can do it” attitude.
We are clebrating with her literally each day as she achieves the goals she set for her future while on your course.
All I can say is ”Brilliant” – this beautiful young women finally see in herself all the wonderful qualities and talents she has, and how very important she is to us all.
Kind Regards
- Zana Andrews
Hi Yvonne,
Elliot was successful in getting into his new programme.
During our interview, your course brochure was presented outlining what Elliot had been involved in there. We believe that this had a major impact on the successful outcome of the meeting. There is quite a waiting list here and given the circumstances we consider the result a minor miracle.
Elliot did need to speak for himself which he did with confidence – no doubt another result of your training.
So with that in mind we would like to say thank you for impacting on our sons life in a positive way. We believe that he has taken a leap in maturity and although we are under no illusion as to the task still ahead, we are greatly encouraged.
Well done and thank you,
- Lance and Rayma Bryers
MIOMO course should be compulsory for all school leavers, it’s just fantastic!
We are so impressed with the difference in attitude and mindset of our son. We didn’t have very high expectations but are just so happy with the results. He now has 90 days to work with a mentor and what a great way to consolidate all the work that went into the hearts and minds of the young adults at MIOMO. You are an amazing ambassador for the young people in this country and I am honoured to know you.
- Karen Whittaker
