This episode is a story of relentless positivity, clear vision and community focus - led by one key person - resulting in positive impacts for hundreds of people within the local community. It’s also a story about when the carpet is whipped out from beneath your feet, you get back up and start again.
You’re about to hear from the wonderful Janice Lee. She’s one of the most community minded people I’ve had the pleasure to interview.
Janice is a disability advocate and a woman of vision, determination and drive. She has built empowerment through learning skills to support independent and autonomous living for people with disabilities. She and her team have also served up thousands of nutritious, home-grown, community cooked meals to school children. And more recently, she has been working with Kainga Ora in Southland. She’s about good food, good learning, good people and good intentions.
Let’s hear her story.
Time codes and topics
00:00 Introduction to Koha Kai and Its Mission
04:10 The Birth of Koha Kai: A Personal Journey
07:28 Building Community Through Food and Education
10:20 Transitioning to Employment and Enterprise
13:21 Navigating Challenges Post-COVID
17:29 Innovative Solutions for Food Insecurity
21:29 Future Aspirations and Global Opportunities
Takeaways
Janice Lee's journey began in the disability sector, realizing the need for change.
Koha Kai focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities through nutrition and skills.
The initiative started with a small kitchen and grew to serve hundreds of children.
Community connections are vital for addressing food insecurity and social equity.
COVID-19 forced Koha Kai to pivot and adapt its services to meet new challenges.
The organisation transitioned to a model that includes employment opportunities for trainees.
Janice emphasizes the importance of teaching self-sufficiency and independence.
Koha Kai's efforts have expanded to include home gardening for families in need.
The initiative has a national reach, providing meals and support across New Zealand.
Janice's vision includes creating global opportunities for food security and community empowerment.
Useful links
The Koha Kai website - here
Koha Kai on Facebook - here
The 2020 ACE Aotearoa Annual Award for Community Programme of the year Tangata Tiriti was awarded to Koha Kai - see here
ASB Good as Gold with Seven Sharp featuring, yes you guessed it, Koha Kai - here
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