Empowering Māori and Pasifika youth to Rise UP.

Empowering South Auckland's Māori and Pasifika youth to reach their potential, Rise UP Trust supports those living in high deprivation on low incomes, particularly in the Māngere area.

Since starting up in 2006, Rise UP has worked with over 250 whānau - mostly single parents, grandparents and beneficiaries.

Through its 'Building Learning Communities' project, which is delivered by Whānau Educators, Rise UP aims to build greater whānau engagement and understanding of their child’s learning style.

Last year they successfully applied for a Grassroots Giving Programme  grant towards the salary of a Whānau Educator, to work alongside and support 59 local whānau.

CEO Sita Selupe MNZM says that their ongoing research shows that Rise UP whānau are empowered and flourishing, thanks to being more fully engaged.

"Our programmes focus on helping whānau to become more actively engaged in their children’s learning journey, and unlock their child’s potential."

"We do this through mentoring sessions, workshops to help parents and children practice inquiry-based learning, and sessions that help parents to understand the educational system." 

"Thanks to our wonderful Whānau Educator, 100% of whānau in our mentoring sessions achieved most or all of the goals they set. This reflects the increased resilience whānau are developing as they participate in Rise UP activities. And the children are succeeding in learning too, with their maths, writing and reading scores 20% higher than their national cohort."

"Malo aupito and thanks to the Grassroots Giving Programme for this grant, which has made a real difference to the lives of whānau in our community."

Picture supplied by Rise UP Trust.