November 07, 2023
Matauranga added to tamariki mental health plan
Kura kaupapa Māori have picked up and adapted a successful mental well-being programme developed for mainstream schools.
Rawiri Hindle says the Pause Breathe Smile programme offers a range of activities and mind exercises which can help 5 to 12-year-olds learn to cope with stress.
Under the label Whaiwāhi Mauri Tau it now incorporates some matauranga Māori to suit Māori ways of thinking.
“One of the kaiako, when we were doing the pilot project said: ‘Its like, when you’re looking into the water, if the water’s ripply you can’t see very far into it but if the water’s calm, you can see deeply into it.’ That is a beautiful metaphor,” Mr Hindle says.
Rawiri Hindle says so far a half dozen kura have signed on for the programme.