HELP WILLIAM GET TO WORLDS

Kia Ora, My name is William Rakena. I am a 17-year-old aspiring dancer from Mangere, South Auckland.

I have been gifted with an amazing opportunity to represent New Zealand at the World's New Zealand Hip Hop Competition in the United States. This is a dream come true for somebody like me and I would love if you can play a part in helping me get there.

Ever since I was young, I have surrounded myself with the wrong crowd. Whether it was engaging in reckless behaviour, getting in trouble with the law or allowing my high school studies to suffer, I knew that I was heading down a dangerous path with no understanding of how to get myself out of it.

It wasn't until I discovered dance that I learned there is more to life than what I know and that dreams were achievable if I put my mind to it. Most importantly, dance helped me to realise my own potential in the world.

I am truly honoured to be where I am today. With the support of Nga Rangatahi Toa, my beautiful Aunty, my dance teacher Donny Waters and my wonderful friends and whanau behind me, I am excited to see where my journey in life will take me and hope that I can also inspire youth from my own community along the way.

This rare opportunity does not come often and I would love to take it while I can so I can join my dance family on a world stage. All I kindly ask for is your help.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated and I will forever be grateful for your time and your generosity.