Student project sets bar high

ENGAGEMENT: Rotorua students taking part in Ka Hao Te Rangatahi, Excel Rotorua's project seven. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Ka Hao Te Rangatahi programme has proven to be a roaring success with more than 85 per cent of participants achieving NCEA, said Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa project manager Greg Allen.

Mr Allen said the remaining students would be expecting positive news when the official results were released in January 2015.

Ka Hao Te Rangatahi is project seven in the Rotorua Excel initiative, set up to improve cultural responsiveness and whanau engagement in education, and raise NCEA achievement for young Maori in Year 11, 12, and 13.

Mr Allen said he saw a significant change in the students.

"I have seen a big turnaround in our akonga (students), from improved attendance, attitude, and a commitment to their culture. Now we've seen the gains in their academic results and that's fantastic."

More than 60 students from Rotorua Girls' High School, Reporoa College, Rotorua Lakes High School, Rotorua Boys' High School, John Paul College and Western Heights High School took part in the programme, which began in April this year.

"Other students said the programme gave them the confidence and ability to stay focussed, stay in school, aim high and experience lots of success.

"Watching these young people grow has made this one of the best kaupapa that I've ever been involved in."

The programme was based at local marae where students were immersed in a tikanga Maori environment.

Local and national service bodies also supported the programme, including the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, Careers New Zealand, Waiariki Institute of Technology, University of Waikato, New Zealand Police, Navy, and the Ministry of Education.

Musicians 1814 were also involved, as well as local te reo and tikanga experts, and community and national business leaders and entrepreneurs.

"Our students were really fortunate to have the support of some really great people and organisations.

"Feedback that we received from senior members of the participating schools has been positive and complimentary of what the programme has achieved for students," Mr Allen said.

Students had access to an after school study centre at the marae where they were given one-on-one and group tutorial support and were provided free WiFi access to assist their studies.

The project was delivered in partnership with Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust and Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa.