Created on the principle that 21st century learners need 21st century education; Manaiakalani is an education programme that offers students full digital services combined with new teaching methods and technology to improve student engagement and achievement.

Since 2007 the programme has been adopted into eleven decile 1A schools in the Auckland suburbs of Glen Innes, Pt England and Panmure, resulting in close to 1,800 students each with their own netbook. Through this use of top-end digital technology and services, the Manaiakalani Programme is not only achieving improved educational results, but also realising the potential for greatly enhanced employment and life outcomes for these students.

The Manaiakalani Education Trust was set up in 2011 to help the schools achieve the goals of the programme by providing access to external resources and networks.

“The Trust has enabled the Manaiakalani schools cluster to address some of the needs that running the programme creates; such as owning a community wide wireless learning network and developing an affordable method to enable parents to purchase netbooks for their children,” says Jenny Oxley, Executive Officer of the Manaiakalani Education Trust.

“The success of this programme and the role of the Trust has come in large measure from the ability to coalesce a new kind of partnership around the aspirations for success for our children. This partnership includes schools, private and government organisations, community, parents, whānau, commerce, philanthropy, tertiary institutions and volunteers, all of whom buy into the vision and intent for improved student outcomes.” Tāmaki Makaurau Regional Director Pauline Kingi says the partnership model adopted by the Trust reflects the principle of community responsibility for ensuring success for students.

“Te Puni Kōkiri is proud to be supporting a programme which is having such a positive effect for students, whānau, schools and the wider community. Ninety-five per cent of students at the participating schools are Māori and Pasifika.

The initiative to make these students digital citizens means they are learning as active participants, connected with the wider world around them and they’re taking their parents with them!”

“Parent and whānau engagement is being supported and grown through a programme that trains parents to also use netbooks, the internet and the purpose-built parent portal. This application enables parents to electronically access their children’s published work and to better understand how new teaching methods and technology are improving student engagement and achievement. This approach matches the aspirations of Te Puni Kōkiri for the success of Māori children and their whānau.”

This sentiment is reiterated by Telecom Foundation chair Sir Bob Harvey who, at a recent formal launch, confirmed that the Foundation would support the project for the next five years.

“We’re impressed by the ‘whole-of-community’ approach and the ‘learn, create, share’ philosophy that’s got these kids hooked – the achievements of these communities are nothing short of world-class.”