The Wairarapa Teen Unit, where young women with babies grab a second chance at gaining an education, has been given a glowing report by the Education Review Office.
The ERO, in its first report ont he unit, called it as a place where "relationships are harmonious and built on trust and
respect."
"Students state that their attitudes toward education and achievement have changed for the better."
For head teacher, Rae McKenzie, the ERO report is a dream come true. "We knew were making a difference for these girls, but it was nice to get official affirmation," she said.
Mrs McKenzie taught and was assistant principal at Makoura College from 1978.
The Teen Unit was born out of her desire to help young girls who had become pregnant, but then wanted to get a second chance at educating themselves.
For two years they used the old wharenui on the Makoura College campus.
In August 2005 with the blessing of the college, which acts as the host school for funding purposes, a brand new unit was opened by the then Minister of Education Trevor Mallard in Makora Road, south of the college. While the mothers take class, the children are cared for in the nearby community creche.
Currently, there is a role of 22, 15 Maori and seven pakeha.
Mrs McKenzie is supported by another full-time teacher, Grace Emmanuel (tourism/hospitality, home and life skills) and part-time teachers Hilda Payne, ex deputy-principal from Solway College, who teaches maths, and Keith Sawyer, Wairarapa College's ex deputy principal who teaches English.
There are 17 Teen Units operating around the country with another five in the pipeline.
ERO inspectors said the curriculum management was of a very high quality and relevant to the students' needs. They were especially impressed with the fact that the teachers promote individual responsibility.
Priority is given to literacy and numeracy. Other core subjects include health and physical education, computing and practical life skills.
