Lekha sets her dreams in motion

For as long as she could remember, Lekha wanted to visit New Zealand. Last year, that

dream came true when she travelled from Sri Lanka to Wellington to complete a Masters programme at Victoria University. On graduation, Lekha came to Yes for Success (YFS) to upskill herself in preparation for the corporate world. In five short months she has become an administration superstar with a CV bulging with relevant experience. She has now landed the role of her dreams and is stepping into a new job as a team administrator at the Ministry of Justice. We are very proud of Lekha and so happy that she’s taking everything she’s learned and running with it. As she starts her new role, Lekha reflects fondly on her journey. 

How did you hear about YFS?

University was exciting but I knew the real challenge would come after graduation. At first, I was uncertain about entering the job market but something I’ve learned in New Zealand is the value of volunteering. When I offered to help out as a Career Expo Ambassador through the Wellington Plus Programme run by Victoria University, I met the lovely YFS team. I learned about their programmes and initiatives and was impressed by their ethos.

Why did you come to us for assistance?

After my studies, I wanted to dive straight into something meaningful. Volunteering has always been a passion of mine, so I decided to join Yes for Success as a work experience volunteer. I wanted to gain practical, office-based experience that would boost my CV and to work with different people in a professional environment. YFS was the perfect place to do this.

How did we help you?

The support, guidance, and encouragement I received from the YFS team helped me grow, learn new skills, and feel more prepared for the job market. From my very first day, I realised how valuable this would be for my career. Every day I had the chance to try new things, doing a wide range of tasks across retail, business support, HR, admin, event management and clothing management.

I got to learn and use professional office tools and systems which helped me understand how organisations manage workflows, clients and internal processes. I’d never had this sort of practical experience before and it really strengthened my confidence and showed me how a real office environment operates. I also learned how to communicate professionally, respectfully and clearly with clients and team members.

How did our volunteers make you feel?

I met many volunteers from different countries and diverse backgrounds. Each one of them was kind, supportive, and always willing to help whenever I had a question or needed guidance. Their willingness to teach and share their knowledge made me feel welcomed and included from the very beginning. In particular, Sasmita was a wonderful source of encouragement for all volunteers. Her enthusiasm is genuinely inspiring, and she has a natural ability to make everyone feel confident and supported. She has made a big difference in my volunteering journey and I always felt motivated and valued because of her guidance.

How did our programmes meet your expectations?

The programmes at YFS went beyond what I expected. They offer opportunities that are very different from other volunteer organisations. I developed important skills such as time management, organisation, professionalism, resilience and problem solving, all of which will be valuable for my future career and in my personal life.

What was the result?

I secured a permanent job! Beyond professional growth, I also made new friends and had the opportunity to learn about different cultures. The experience has been rewarding and memorable.

How would you define success?

Success is reaching your personal and professional goals. For me that meant achieving a career milestone while contributing positively to the community. Success is about balancing your own growth while making a meaningful impact on others. The road to success is not always easy, we often have to try new things and it can be confusing and challenging. But the journey itself provides valuable life experiences that shape us personally and professionally. With hard work and persistence, success will come.

What advice would you give others?

Stay engaged in every task and opportunity, because there is always something to learn. At YFS, I realised that even small tasks can offer valuable lessons. Every experience is a chance to practise, improve and upskill until you become an expert. Always keep trying. There will be a time for you to shine. Most importantly, try to see everything positively and stay open, curious and committed.

What's next? Have you set any goals?

My goal is to grow in my current role, take on more responsibilities, become confident in handling complex tasks independently, improve my leadership skills and build strong professional relationships. The future is unpredictable, so I believe it’s important to stay adaptable. Beyond work, I want to continue giving back to the community through volunteering, and I hope to stay connected with YFS and support their programmes.