Tuakana At School: Providing a Helping Hand to New Students

Tuakana At School is a New Zealand-based program that pairs senior students (tuakana) with new students (teina) to provide support and guidance during the transition to a new school or learning environment.

I'm a Tuakana at School

by Abel Junior Tutagalevao

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10852 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	20 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Tuakana At School is based on the Māori concept of tuakana-teina, where older siblings or peers have a responsibility to care for and support their younger siblings or peers.

The program aims to create a welcoming and inclusive school environment for all students, particularly those who may be feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.

Through one-on-one mentoring and group activities, tuakana help teina to develop social skills, navigate school systems, and adjust to the academic demands of their new environment.

Program Details

Tuakana At School is typically implemented in secondary schools and is open to all students.

Students can volunteer to become tuakana if they meet certain criteria, such as having good academic standing, strong communication skills, and a willingness to help others.

Teina are typically new students who may be experiencing challenges such as:

• Feeling lost or overwhelmed in a new school
• Struggling to make friends or connect with peers
• Experiencing academic difficulties
• Coming from a different cultural or linguistic background

Tuakana and teina are matched based on their interests, personalities, and needs.

They typically meet regularly, either one-on-one or in small groups, to engage in a variety of activities, such as:

• Academic support
• Social skills development
• School navigation
• Cultural exchange
• Leadership development

Tuakana At School provides a structured framework for mentoring and support, but also encourages flexibility and personalization to meet the needs of each individual pair.

Benefits of Tuakana At School

Tuakana At School has been shown to have a positive impact on both tuakana and teina, as well as the school community as a whole.

Benefits for Teina:

• Improved academic performance
• Enhanced social skills
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Greater sense of belonging within the school community

Benefits for Tuakana:

• Develops leadership skills
• Improves communication and interpersonal skills
• Provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment
• Fosters empathy and understanding for others
• Enhances their own academic and personal growth

Benefits for the School Community:

• Creates a more welcoming and inclusive school environment
• Reduces student absenteeism and dropout rates
• Improves overall school climate
• Fosters a sense of community and belonging for all students
• Provides a model for positive peer interactions

Case Studies and Research

Numerous studies have documented the positive outcomes of Tuakana At School.

A study published in the journal "Educational Research" found that teina who participated in the program had significantly higher academic achievement than their peers who did not participate.

Another study, published in the journal "The School Counselor," found that tuakana who participated in the program reported increased self-esteem and leadership skills.

Additionally, a case study conducted by the University of Auckland found that Tuakana At School helped to create a more inclusive and supportive school environment for students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Tuakana At School is a valuable program that provides a helping hand to new students and enriches the school community as a whole.

Through one-on-one mentoring and group activities, tuakana help teina to feel welcome, supported, and connected.

The program has been shown to improve academic performance, social skills, confidence, and overall school climate.

Tuakana At School is a model for positive peer interactions and a testament to the power of supportive relationships in education.

I'm a Tuakana at School

by Abel Junior Tutagalevao

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10852 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	20 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE