This week, our BestStart Waihopai tamariki were excited to welcome a group of Southland Girls High School students who led them through engaging and fun sports sessions.
The little ones looked up to their older role models, listening carefully and following instructions as they learned new physical education skills such as coordination, balance, and teamwork.
The sessions not only helped the children develop their motor skills but also boosted their confidence and enthusiasm for being active. For the high school students, this experience was equally rewarding. They had the chance to build leadership skills, practice patience, and develop a sense of responsibility while mentoring younger children. Guiding the tamariki helped them deepen their understanding of effective communication and teamwork, all while fostering a strong sense of community between the different age groups. Together, this program created a positive environment where both the younger and older students learned from each other, had fun, and built meaningful connections through the joy of sport. At BestStart Waihopai we value the concept of ako where children and adults learn from each other. We value the knowledge tamariki and whanau bring and encourage them to share that knowledge with us, enhancing their mana and sense of self worth. Tuakana/teina relationships are fostered, where older tamariki are supporting younger tamariki.