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Titiro whakamuri kia anga whakamua
Our futures are influenced by our past
Mana Arahi is a virtual learning programme targeting year 13 secondary school students with the aim of encouraging them to pursue a career in the AOD/social services sector. It is being piloted this year from term two and it is envisaged that it will be offered at the start of the academic year in 2011 and in subsequent years.
Matua Raki has initiated a working partnership with WelTec, which will deliver the collaboratively designed programme. The Ministry of Education is supporting the project and allowing Matua Raki to access its virtual learning network for secondary school students. NZQA has also given support and advice to the Project, particularly in the development of unit standards.
The course, which will include work experience with a local treatment provider, will not specifically target Māori students but these students will get preference to other students given the mismatch between Māori and Pakeha in the present addiction workforce. It will provide a skill-based pathway giving students the skills they need to enrol in a bachelors programme in AOD or social service studies. Matua Raki will help students obtain scholarships for their tertiary studies and actively seek a position for each student upon completion of their study. Several NGO addiction treatment providers have indicated their willingness to support the students during the pilot and while they progress through their tertiary studies.
The project has showcased the ability for collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Education, NZQA, tertiary organisations and treatment providers. It is envisaged that this will be the first of many fruitful relationships to come.
The project was given the name Mana Arahi after discussion with kaumatua at Matua Raki/Te Rau Matatini. Mana Arahi represents the students’ self-determined journey onwards and upwards from school through tertiary education and into the workforce.
“The dream has become a reality. Too often plans are made for the betterment of the planners. In this arena, Mana Arahi is designed to give our young, tomorrow’s leaders, a clear ‘pathway’ to determine their own Tino Rangatiratanga and no-one else’s. Kia Kaha Kia Manawanui.” Tunu Walker, Kaumatua.
For more information, contact Project Leader Rawiri McKinney, email
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, or phone 04 499 9340. |
