A prize and a job for top Foundation Studies student

Winning a new iPad has topped off a brilliant semester for WITT Foundation Studies ākonga, Irene Hall.

Not only did she win the prize for her work ethic and diligence, but she has also scored her first job. She starts soon as a part-time teacher aide at Vogeltown School, working with children who have learning difficulties.

When she heard through her tutors that she’d won a brand-new Samsung Galaxy tablet complete with a Samsung Book Cover in Pathways Awarua July competition, Irene says she thought they were joking!

Irene, who lives in Waitara, enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 2), which helped her re-engage with learning and gain confidence and ability in literacy, numeracy, and digital competency. Part of her learning was through WITT’s connection with Pathways Awarua – a learning platform developed by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). It offers online modules designed to support adult learners strengthen literacy and numeracy skills and these are incorporated into WITT’s Foundation Studies programme.

Wayne Samways, Accessibility Coordinator at WITT, says Irene has done remarkably well on her learning journey. She gained sufficient points by completing course modules in maths and English to enter the Pathways Awarua draw for a prize.

Foundation Studies tutor Alex Dickie says the programme is ideal for ākonga who may have missed out on key areas of learning while at school for a variety of reasons. These include not fitting into the mainstream education system because of their neurodiverse status which was not always well understood.

He says Irene is very self-motivated and determined, and having a goal of being a teacher aide has helped give her the drive and focus to succeed. “Irene did an amazing job and always put in a great effort, despite having a disability, and always got things in well ahead of time.”

Alex focusses on encouraging all students to find their ‘why’ and to develop a sense of purpose about what they want to do in life. Students he meets often feel discouraged by their past experiences, he says.

“I try to help them discover their talents and to see themselves as they really are – not how they think others perceive them.”

He takes a holistic approach to teaching this programme and weaves in knowledge about self-care as well as practical learning. “We do a range of things, from hospitality to health and wellness. Whanau and spiritual connections are important too.”

Caption: Irene Hall with tutor Alex Dickie and Wayne Samways at WITT.