Top Educator Award Working With Rangatahi

A Makarewa-based charitable trust has received national recognition by Adult and Community Education Aotearoa (ACE).

Jade Ward, of Reigning Downs Hauora Centre, has just been awarded ACE’s Top Educator Tangata Whenua 2023.

The centre is the first of its kind, bringing education and equine experiences together to improve the wellbeing of rangatahi.

One of the great strengths of this kaupapa has been its ability to create a sense of belonging for young people in the community.

Courses are designed to reflect the unique and specific needs of each participant, and Jade has been able to tie this learning in with the New Zealand Curriculum.

The centre combines positive experiences with horses and education to enhance outcomes in well-being and learning.

Participants learn perseverance, flexibility, responsibility and dedication, as well as coordination and balance, while building confidence and being able to strengthen their leadership skills.

“All participants walk through our gates as a blank canvas, but once positive relationships are built, and everyone feels safe in the environment, they develop a true sense of belonging,” she said.

Jade said it has been a pleasure to observe positive outcomes for rangatahi who have struggled in mainstream education, “and seeing them thrive in what is an alternative education pathway.”

Jade holds the values of the centre at the forefront of this kaupapa, providing whanaungatanga (relationships), maanakitanga (caring for others) and hauora (wellbeing) as the key guiding principles, while striving to share this learning with rangatahi, their wider whanau and the community.