$1.4m funding for I Have a Dream navigator to support Northland kids

Belinda Wright-Hainge, ambassador of the Wright Family Foundation which has made a 13-year commitment to fund an I Have a Dream navigator to work with Northland kids. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Scott Gilmour says when children have the support of mentors from primary school through to adulthood it leads to better education outcomes.

So the I Have a Dream Foundation chairman says The Wright Family Foundation's 13-year investment, worth over $1.4m, to sponsor a "navigator" who will follow students in Whangarei schools from year 3 (7 and 8-year-olds) to 20 years old will make a real difference.

"It's a long term commitment and that's what the kids need because every year there's some challenges in their lives. The navigator will know them and know their needs."

I Have A Dream navigators are adults who work with children at Tikipunga Primary School, Totara Grove School, Te Kura o Otangarei and Tikipunga High School, following them through the education system right up until they turn 20.

The I Have A Dream programme was launched in New Zealand in 2003 with a pilot programme in Mt Roskill, Auckland. The results were clear – 80 per cent of those students, who are now aged 22, went on to tertiary study, compared with 30 per cent in the comparison group.

It was introduced to Northland in 2016 and currently there are eight navigators working with more than 400 Whangarei children.

"They (navigators) do whatever it takes to make sure that every one of these children come out of year 13 literate, numerate and with all the social skills to go on to a career or higher education," Mr Gilmour said.

The students who were involved in the pilot programme in Auckland have gone on to become doctors, neuroscientists and designers.

While the programme is in early stages in Whangarei, Mr Gilmour said the students love their navigators and have a sense of security knowing there is someone supporting them.

The programme will eventually involve 1500 children in Whangarei as it rolls out from Year 1 to year 15 (two years out of high school).

The Wright Family Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable trust dedicated to making a positive difference by advancing education.

Ambassador Belinda Wright-Hainge said the foundation was "delighted" to support I Have A Dream.

"Being well educated gives you so much confidence. I think it's very important for those that can to help out those that need," she said.