Teachers 'on the floor and into it'

MURRAY WILSON

MAORI LEARNING: Kohanga Reo graduates, from left, Karlene Ujdur, Paula Gow, Janine Smith, front, and Erena Rameka with children from the Te Reo Tupua O Awapuni.

The future leaders of Manawatu's Kohanga Reo movement will today celebrate their success at a graduation ceremony at Palmerston North's Convention Centre.

About 70 teachers from 50 Kohanga Reo will receive certificates in teaching, computer studies, and business, from courses they have completed in the past year. More than 200 family members, friends, and students will be at graduation, which will feature karakia, food and a speech from Maori educator Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi.

Whaea Ellen Marsh said it was "awesome" to have three of her staff from the Te Reo Tupua O Awapuni Kohanga Reo graduate today. "It's exciting to have 70 of them coming through," she said. "That way we know our reo and culture and tikanga [customs] is surviving. It will give them confidence and it will give them knowledge and wisdom. We still have the mandate to keep Maori culture and tikanga going."

Desiree Smith, who co-manages Te Reo Tupua O Awapuni with Whaea Marsh, said the Kohanga Reo study programmes were unique as they all came from a Maori view of the world. "This ensures the kaupapa maintains itself ... we are never without tamariki."

The programmes taught people the skills needed to become a kaiako [teacher] at a Kohanga Reo, she said. "We are nurturers. It's not like they stand up in front and teach like a teacher. They are on the floor and into it."

The ceremony starts at noon, and is expected to finish about 5pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News