Characteristics which Kura Kaupapa Māori aim to develop in their children

At te reo classes we’ve been learning about a way of looking at identity, individual health, and well being, known as the Tuakiri. It was written by Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira. It’s a way of looking at health holistically – everything that you are and experience, goes towards your mental and physical health. Last night we discussed child development (among other things). Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira also wrote (or contributed to, I’m not sure) Te Aho Matua o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori, a foundation document for Kura Kaupapa Māori.

The very last page had this description of the sorts of kids they wanted to develop. Our discussion moved into “Wouldn’t it be amazing if this was a thing for everyone?” (Better articulated than that though. #IWasSick) It’s so amazing I wanted to share it.

This part of the document focuses, however, on the whole person in terms of a fully functioning human being whose personal attributes are recognised, nurtured and brought to fruition.
In summary, then, Te Tino Uaratanga defines the characteristics which Kura Kaupapa Māori aim to develop in their children, that they:

• develop free, open and inquiring minds alert to every area of knowledge which they choose to pursue in their lives.

• become competent thinkers, listeners, speakers, readers and writers in both Maori and English.

• advance their individual talents to the highest levels of achievement.

• delight in using their creative talents in all feats of endeavour.

• are receptive to and have a great capacity for aroha, for joy and for laughter.

• are true and faithful to their own sense of personal integrity while being caring, considerate and co-operative with others.

• assimilate the fruits of learning into the deeper recesses of consciousness where knowing refreshes the spirit.

• manifest self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline and well-developed qualities of leadership.

• value their independence and self-determination in setting personal goals and achieving them.

• radiate the joy of living.

• manifest physical and spiritual well-being through the harmonious alignment of body, mind and spirit.

• are secure in the knowledge of their ancestral links to the divine source of all humanity.

• are high achievers who exemplify the hopes and aspirations of their people.