Matariki is a time of remembrance, celebrating the past and looking to the future; 3 principles that were weaved into the school curriculum at Epuni Care and Protection residence last month.
And Matariki was front and centre at the residence’s recent Kudos celebration – an event held at the end of every school term to acknowledge the students’ achievements.
“It’s probably not happened a lot for these young people, to celebrate their successes. So, the fact we stop, pause and do that is huge,” says Residence Manager, Jo Harrison.
Education at Epuni
Māori tukutuku panel, created by one of the students
Educational success looks a bit different at Epuni, which provides a safe and stable living environment in Wellington for tamariki and rangatahi who aren’t able to be placed in the community.
While literacy and numeracy play a role, each programme is catered specifically to an individual’s age, abilities and needs.
“We have to do a lot of practical, hands-on stuff because it has to do with the engagement of the students,” says Kelly Doran, Team Lead for the Central Regional Health School at Epuni.
The young people have often been disengaged from school for several years when they arrive at the residence. Often because they’ve changed placements and moved around quite often.
So, just getting used to a structured day is an achievement.
“Their ability to sit in a classroom and learn something where largely they’ve been disruptive, been disrupted and probably not hugely encouraged,” says Jo.
Looking to the future
Māori weavings created by the students
Most students won’t return to a mainstream school when they leave Epuni. But the staff work hard to get the young people into a course or vocational training.
“Any research will tell you that the best predictors of a positive outcome include education as well as a strong sense of identity and connection," says Jo.
Some of the older students do a 2-day barista course at a Wellington cafe. Epuni has recently installed a coffee machine so they can maintain their skills and sell coffee to the staff.
“[It gives them] skills around making and handling money, working with customers; all of those kinds of opportunities,” Jo says.
Kudos celebration
‘Kudos’ derives from an ancient Greek term and is used as an expression of praise and recognition.
It was an appropriate name for the end of term celebration at Epuni.
The young people each received a certificate, a gift and a personalised book that celebrated their individual achievements and strengths.
One student says it was "good to look back at all the things we've done this term".
A reflection Kelly says is so important.
“I think a lot of them come in here with a really low opinion of themselves. So, it’s giving them successes, things to celebrate, things to find that they are really good at.”