Empowering tamariki through better access to education
We’re facilitating access to education in South Auckland schools through strategic partnerships and tailored programmes to create better futures for high-needs tamariki.
Every tamaiti deserves the chance to thrive. The Ted Manson Foundation partners with schools and organisations to ensure tamariki across a number of South Auckland schools have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. Our programmes and services – from school readiness classes and wellbeing and pastoral support to providing vans, vision and hearing screening, and curriculum support – are designed to reduce barriers to education and deliver real, measurable outcomes for young people. Each programme is tailored to address the unique needs of schools and students, creating pathways for tamariki to reach their full potential.
Ted Manson Foundation programmes and services
School Ready Programme
Many tamariki enrol in year one without the necessary social and learning skills to successfully engage with the school environment. The School Ready Programme provides a bridging class and wraparound services to address tamariki’s readiness gaps and create a positive start to a productive school life.
Counselling in Schools (CiS)
Through CiS, the Foundation makes professional counselling services available to tamariki within their school environment, supporting their mental health and wellbeing and building resilience and confidence to tackle life’s challenges within school, family, and community environments.
Vans Initiative
Reliable transport can make all the difference. The Vans Initiative provides the solution to transportation challenges so tamariki can get to school safely and on time, fostering regular attendance and participation.
Painga (Vision and Hearing)
Unrecognised and untreated vision and hearing challenges present significant obstacles for tamariki in reaching their full potential, both in and out of the classroom. The Foundation partners with Painga Project to provide early testing, referrals, and solutions to ensure tamariki can see, hear, and engage in learning.
Attendance (Kura Manaaki)
Regular attendance is essential for successful learning. Working with schools and whānau, Kura Manaaki removes barriers to school attendance, supporting tamariki to stay engaged by attending school consistently.
Help@Hand
Help@Hand provides discreet emergency watches to women at high risk of domestic and sexual violence, connecting them directly to Police in emergencies. We’re proud supporters of this lifesaving initiative, enabling victims to move safely and confidently.