Children’s University: A ‘Passport to Learning’
A global education initiative has made its way to Canterbury, with demand now so extensive there are over 45 schools on the waiting list.
Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University (TMMCU) is a programme delivered in partnership between Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University, which aims to support young learners’ future aspirations to tertiary education and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Tamariki (children) sign up through their participating schools and are given a ‘Passport to Learning’, which they fill out with extra-curricular learning activities and experiences. Once they have completed 30 hours in their passport, they are invited to celebrate their achievement with whānau by attending a special graduation ceremony - similar to a university graduation - at the Christchurch Town Hall.
“Children’s University is child-led, which means they get to decide their learning journey,” says Programme Manager Jack Swannell.
“The programme empowers tamariki aged seven to 14 to engage in a range of exciting and innovative learning experiences that take place outside of the classroom.”
TMMCU offers a range of opportunities, including access to 122 learning destinations (community organisations that provide learning experiences for tamariki during school holidays and weekends), 500-plus online portal activities, in-school experiences, and even a Campus Experience Day held at UC or Lincoln University, where tamariki get to experience the university environment first-hand.
Jack says that research into children’s university and co-curricular learning experiences shows there are a range of benefits, including improved attendance, engagement, and attainment at school.
He says cost, transportation, and time pressure on families are among some of the barriers to participation, as well as being unaware of the opportunities for extra-curricular learning in their local community.
TMMCU works with diverse communities, including low socio-economic communities, schools with high Māori and Pacific populations, and those under-represented in the university environment. Staff engage with schools to understand the challenges tamariki and whānau face, which prevent participation in extra-curricular activities.
To remove barriers, TMMCU offers free transportation to campus experience events and ensures learning destination providers in the programme are local and free or low-cost.
The success of the programme is evident in its growth. In 2019, 192 students participated from seven schools and one rūnanga. In 2024, this has grown to over 1400 students involved from 48 schools and two rūnanga.
Caroline Gray is a teacher at Ngutuawa School in Woolston and says the school’s first year participating in the programme has been a positive experience for tamariki who feel a sense of accomplishment as they add to their Passport to Learning. Parents are also excited about the Campus Experience Day, as many have never visited the university campus.
“The need we’re seeing [among students] is connection, so not feeling as if they’re in isolation and knowing there are other learners exactly the same age, with exactly the same questions, who are excited by the same things,” says Caroline.
Isolation can be a challenge in schools, Caroline adds, but at TMMCU students can see a wider learning community that exists which they can participate in if they choose a tertiary studies pathway.
“It’s all about equity really and making sure that students see themselves and others who are like them, in this institution,” says Caroline.
“They can make those connections and realise the possibilities that are ahead, rather than deciding that this isn’t an option for them.”
Rātā Foundation supports TMMCU through the South Island funder’s ‘Learn’ focus area. The support helps Children’s University engage with priority schools, reduce barriers such as transport costs, and deliver the Campus Experience Day.
“At Rātā, we aim to support learning opportunities that help people reach their full potential,” says Rātā Chief Executive Leighton Evans.
“By removing barriers to participation in extra-curricular learning, Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi Children’s University is inspiring young people in Canterbury to explore education opportunities outside of the classroom and encouraging them to open their minds to the possibilities that exist in further education.”
For more information about Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University, visit Children’s University | University of Canterbury