I am writing to offer my endorsement for the work that Fuse have done with our residential deaf students here at van Asch Deaf Education Centre. We currently have 13 students who are living with us during term time, aged 14 years to 20 years.

Fuse Youth Centre have worked with us consistently now since 2010, providing one afternoon a week of activities for our residential students. Their strong connection with the wider Sumner Community has also benefited us, providing links, contacts, activities and inclusion for our students in the wider Sumner community.

The relationship has continued to build between our school and the Youth Centre in the years since the earthquakes. The youth workers provided a break for our students from the stress of being in this area during the time of the earthquakes. We have very much appreciated the hard work, thought and adaptability of the Fuse team in communicating with our students, and learning of their backgrounds and difficult circumstances they face everyday with living away from home. The students and staff alike enjoy the professionalism, commitment to clear communication, and enjoyment they show in their work.

We value the input and collaborative working relationship that has been established. We hope that we are able to continue to grow this valuable resource between the two services in coming years to continue to benefit our deaf residential students.

Sarah De Heer

Van Asch Deaf Education Centre