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New research aims to bolster student wellbeing and lift educational achievement in Mahurangi schools.
Massey University social studies students Ruan Oberholzer and Arney Bingham are conducting interviews with various social services and special education needs coordinators in schools to discover how social workers can be better supported to raise student wellbeing.
Ruan says when wellbeing is raised so is the student’s achievement level.
Part of the research project involves creating a database of all the available social services in the area and running “networking evenings”, where different services can get together and find ways to collaborate more.
“It’s amazing to see what work is already being done to serve our community by services such as Homebuilders, Mahu Vision Trust and Springboard and so on.
There are many benefits to bringing a stronger connection between our whanau, community, wellbeing services and educators,” Ruan says.
He adds that many in the community are not always aware of what services are available.
Once compiled, the database will be made available via the Mahurangi Kahui Ako (community of learning) website (successforall.co.nz).
The students’ research began in mid-July and will continue until mid-October.
Once complete, Ruan and Arney will write a report and make presentations of their findings to the Kahui Ako and social agencies.
It is anticipated agencies will be able to use the report to bolster their case for more funding where it’s found that community wellbeing needs are not being met.
“We really don’t want this to be seen as just an academic exercise, we really want to impact the social sector here,” Ruan says.
