Enjoy learning aim of ACCESS scheme

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 248, 28 June 1988, Page 11

Enjoy learning aim of ACCESS scheme

A year-long schsme underway in Raetihi has a stimulating motto that all trainees work by. Their motto is: Enjoy what you are learning - leam what you can, and if there is no enjoyment in what you are doing - Haere Ra. The scheme is co-run by tutors R o y a 1 Herewini and Wayne Spurr whose collective expertise covers carpentry, engineering and farming. Each section of study is preceded by the teaching of safety skills and the proper use and maintenance of equipment involved. Carpentry and engineering skills are taught at the group's workshop in Raetihi, while farm skills are learned 'hands-on', on properties in the area. Fourteen trainees were selected from 27 applicants on a points basis by the Department of Labour. Mr Herewini told the Bulletin that there is a waiting list of people keen to join the scheme but who are unable to because the facilities are already being used to capacity. The first project for the trainees was outfitting the workshop.

Sturdy wooden benches and tables in the cloakroom were built by the group as well as a stock of saw horses for the carpentry workshop. The group recently finished a consignment of farm gates and a supply of shoe shine boxes. Raetihi is an area of prime concern with re-

gards to need for assistance in unemployment. Rural isolation, increasing social problems, limited servicing by Government agencies and urban drift of skilled resource people are factors of, the problem. Future courses include one on money management by BNZ Bank

Manager John Chittenden and wool classing conducted by Elders Manager Jeremy Trebilcock. The weather plays an important part in the group's timetable. Due to adverse weather, they have been unable to pursue some scheduled activities on farms in the area. The group is assessed on a regular basis by the Labour Department who ensure funding is being utilised correctly. Even after just six weeks the trainees are making good progress and are getting a lot out of the module, according to Mr Herewini. When the Bulletin spoke to the trainees individually, one thing was obvious - they were all enthusiastic and apparently keen to learn. Their reasons for joining the course were many and varied: to further skills already attained, either at school or through former employment; for the social aspect; for the thrill of learning. In all trainees there was a desperation to learn a skill that would hopefully find them a job or else give them

self-sufficiency and some form of return. One thing is certain - merely completing the course does not guarantee them a job and the trainees are aware of this situation. Teaching farm skills and skills of associated service industries is the purpose of the module, in recognition of the Waimarino's agricultural industry. The objectives of the course are for trainees to attain a feeling of self worth and achievement from the skills they have acquired; independence and confidence plus positive interaction with the community; promoting a sense of cultural identity; instilling within trainees the ability to cope with economic and social pressures; instilling a knowledge of commu-

nity resources; encouraging community involvement; achieving a level of confidance by acquiring skills that are of value not only in the work place but also within the family. Along with the practical work involved, trainees are required to complete a satisfactory year's work in assignments and written projects. To this end an Adult Reading and Learning Assistance teacher (ARLA) is employed to visit and offer assistance where necessary. Lectures by Mr Herewini and Mr Spurr are

held weekly and take place in the study -cum smoko room at the workshop. Specialist tutors from the area are also incorporated in the module. Guest speakers have included Thomas Hawira (Taha Maori); Sam Bishara (public relations); Mark Cribb (local history); and health professionals Eve Rush and Leigh Berry (health and personal hygiene). The first course was so successful, the nurses will be returning to conduct a rcfresher course in ihe near future.