January 28, 2022
Kura come through with lockdown support
Research from the Education Review Office on the impact of the last year’s second wave of national lockdowns found conditions were even tougher on Māori learners than in 2020 – but school leaders and communities went to incredible lengths to support kaiako, whānau and learners.
Lynda Pura-Watson, the ERO’s deputy chief executive for Māori evaluation and review, says three reports released today reveal the compounding impacts of the pandemic, with many Māori learners and whānau lacking household necessities, digital devices, internet connectivity, and suitable resources for te reo Māori learning.
The findings highlight the important role of tūmuaki and principals, local iwi and hapū, and the wider community in supporting wrap-around services.
Kura and school leaders leant heavily on their school’s own resources, local iwi, support services and community networks to ensure learners and whānau had essentials.
This included getting kai packs, basic care packages, household necessities, devices, and hard packs for learning to families.
Ms Pura-Watson says effective communication from schools plays an important role in reducing anxiety among whānau.