$250k support for Rotorua education programme

Rotorua Primary School pupils Elodie Lines, 7, Cassis Sosaia, 7, and Xavian Sosaia, 9, with Rotorua Trust chairman Stewart Edward (left) and Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust chairman Malcolm Short. Photo / Supplied

A joint venture between Rotorua Trust and the Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust will see an extra $250,000 supporting programmes to help literacy and numeracy across the Rotorua district.

The extra funding will allow the successful programme, run by Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust for the past 17 years, extended into more schools and able to help more students.

Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust already contributes $500,000 a year to the cause as one of the range of education-related programmes it operates.

Rotorua Trust chairman Stewart Edward said the joint venture recognised the success and high calibre of the existing programme.

Under the project grant programme, schools can apply for funding to help run numeracy and literacy programmes for children who are under achieving. To be eligible, schools must have significant number of Ngāti Whakaue on their roll, however the Rotorua Trust funding will open this programme to all schools.

"Removing barriers to achieving a good education is one of the trust's priority funding targets – and is an area we already support thought a wide range of programmes," Edward said.

"We know an understanding of numeracy and literacy is the foundation of so much we do in our lives. The earlier we can spot and help young people in this space, the better."

Edward said it made sense to partner with an existing programme achieving such great results, rather than reinventing a programme of its own.

"The programme is one of a kind in New Zealand, and shows the forethought of Ngāti Whakaue to invest in this area. Over the past 17 years they've helped change the lives of many young people, and we're honoured to now be working with them to achieve even more."

The extra funding will be targeted at extending existing and locally-tailored programmes to non Ngāti Whakaue students who are under achieving in numeracy and literacy.

Edward said this may open funding to schools which do not have high ratios of Ngāti Whakaue on their rolls or allow schools that are already receiving funding to extend their existing programmes.

"We want to help any child in Rotorua who is not reaching their potential, whatever background they have. We are pleased to be able to join with Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust and extend the good work to even more young people who need help."

Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust chairman Malcolm Short said the trust was thrilled to partner with Rotorua Trust to extend the programme.

"Over the years we've helped support more than 10,000 students in literacy and numeracy and this joint venture will allow us to help even more in the years to come.

"It is a natural progression to extend the programme, and complements the existing work we are doing, as well as the range of other educational initiatives we support, such as scholarships."

Short said he was proud to see the experience and success of the programme recognised.

"Schools will be very positive about this move as it plays a crucial role in filling gaps for students."

Applications for funding are now open. For more information go to www.ngatiwhakaue-eetb.org.nz.

About the programme:

-Items funded can include various numeracy and literacy programmes, support staff and -teaching resources that are not funded by the Ministry of Education.
-The school is required to contribute to the project.
-The largest grant currently is for $40,000.
-Payment is made in two tranches – at the start of a year and mid-year.
-Programmes are regularly reviewed to ensure they are delivering positive outcomes for young people.