Teaching volunteers and students at EIT’s Pacific Island Homework Support Programme

There is more to the Pacific Island Homework Support Programme at EIT Tairāwhiti than meets the eye.

While it has been established to help high school students in years 11 to 13 it is also about creating a better community for all.

Programme coordinator Sue Matthews says the 37 students, who come from islands throughout the Pacific, seem to love attending the evening gatherings.

The success of the free programme is driven by EIT’s campus Pasifica liaison officer Lillian Waigth and was established for youngsters whose parents are unable to help them because of their grasp of English and/or extent of their own education.

Many of those attending the homework programme have family studying at EIT Tairāwhaiti, but may not have access to computers.

Teachers and supporters freely give their time to help the teenagers, but Sue says there is always demand for more.

“We are always on the lookout for more volunteers,” she says. “They don’t have to be teachers, sometimes it is just about conversing so the students can work on their English.

“These teenagers are so appreciative – it is lovely to see that. Everyone is keen to improve the lot for these kids – they have high expectations and are just so proud of themselves when they are achieving.”

And they are so keen they’re attending twice a week as they build up to exams. Interest is growing, as often younger brothers and sisters come along to the homework programme so plans are afoot to include them as well.

“We live in a multi-cultural community so we all need to learn more about each other . . . that has been one of the really great things about the programme for me.”