Growing ongoing school attendance

Overcoming the challenges of school non-attendance, our Kura Manaaki Programmes deliver meaningful change by supporting tamariki to attend school consistently.

Attendance (Kura Manaaki) Programme

Kura Manaaki, meaning "to cherish school", addresses the barriers that prevent consistent school attendance. Delivered through tailored approaches for each of our partner schools, the programme creates a pathway for students facing significant challenges to reconnect with education.

Why it matters

Why it matters

In many high-needs communities, children from the most vulnerable families struggle to attend school regularly. These children are often those who would benefit most from education but face obstacles such as family hardship, lack of transport, or complex home environments. By addressing these barriers directly, the Kura Manaaki Programme provides a lifeline to education and opportunity.

The Kura Manaaki Model

The Programme is delivered by the Foundation and via partnerships with local trusts such as Pride Manurewa. Each organisation works closely with schools to:

  • Identify students in need: Schools refer children struggling with attendance to the programme.

  • Provide tailored support: Attendance workers engage with whānau to encourage consistent school attendance.

  • Enable access: Foundation-funded vans transport students to and from school, ensuring a safe and reliable solution.

  • Wraparound care: In the Manurewa cluster, students also receive mentoring, meals, and support with wellbeing and appearance, helping them build confidence and feel valued.

The Programme aims to transition students to independent school attendance within a term, while building positive, lasting habits.

Impacts of the Kura Manaaki Programme

The Kura Manaaki Programme has already made a tangible difference:

  • Increased attendance rates in participating schools.

  • Improved family wellbeing through direct support and intervention.

  • Enhanced student confidence and engagement with education.

Feedback from schools highlights the meaningful impacts this Programme delivers, with principals praising its effect on students’ attendance and connection to learning. In 2024 alone, Foundation-funded attendance workers successfully returned over 100 students to regular education.


Trusted partnerships driving success

  •  The Pride Project's team works closely with three schools, delivering a hands-on approach that goes beyond attendance. They assist families with housing, accessing benefits, healthcare navigation, and other practical needs. Mentoring and community engagement activities ensure students feel supported and connected.

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