Jacinda Ardern continues to show how a leader should behave, in the wake of the mosque massacre.
While visiting Cashmere High School in Christchurch, the New Zealand Prime Minister fielded a range of questions from students, who lost two of their fellow classmates in the attack.
Ardern, who has been seen comforting the families affected by the shooting, was asked the simple question on how she is coping since the attack.
And her answer was heartfelt.
“How am I? Thank you for asking. I’m very sad,” Adern said.
Seven students with links to the high school were caught up in the shootings at two Christchurch mosques on Friday.
As a result, the PM encouraged students to get in touch with their emotions.
“It is OK to grieve,” she told the assembly of students gathered.
“It is OK to ask for help even if you weren’t directly affected.”
Adern also asked for grassroots support from the next generation to help rid New Zealand of racism and violence.
“Feeling safe means feeling safe from violence… but also means making a place where there is no environment for violence to flourish. Where we don’t let racism exist. Because racism breeds extremism.
“I alone cannot get rid of those things by myself. I need help from every single one of us.
“If we want to feel like we’re doing something to make a difference, show those outpouring of love, gather together, send that message, look after one another.
“But also let New Zealand be a place where there is no tolerance for racism. Ever. That is something we can all do.”
To date, 50 people have died and dozens more are injured in hospital after a gunman opened fire on worshippers during Friday prayer at two mosques in Christchurch.
Source: Honey.nine.com.au