More Maoris Interested In Higher Education

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31085, 14 June 1966, Page 8

More Maoris Interested In Higher Education

“The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, June 13.

More Maoris were interested in entering the teaching service, the Minister of Education (Mr Kinsella) said today when reviewing progress of Maori education.

Mr Kinsella said that this year 78 Maori students were attending teachers’ colleges, compared with 39 in 1962. Many Maori students, on completion of their training, sought positions in schools administered by education boards. The number of pakeha student teachers voluntarily taking up positions in Maori schools had increased markedly during the last two years. The Committee on Maori Education had carefully examined ways of encouraging Maori pupils to remain longer at secondary schools to equip themselves more adequately for entry into the professions. There were already signs that Maori pupils were staying in sixth forms at State and private secondary schools. Last year there were 47 Maori pupils with University Entrance in sixth forths, 24 more than in 1961. There were 276 Maori pupils in the sixth forms in 1965 seeking University Entrance, compared with 169 in 1961. These figures reflected a growing realisation among Maori people of the benefits of longer secondary schooling. Moreover, the trade training schemes and pre-employment course for Maoris were being extended, and. the polytechnics had praised the work done by Maori students. “Consideration is being given to replacing some existing secondary school hostels, seven of which are in or near predominantly Maori communities,” said Mr Kinsella. “This will encourage more Maori pupils to continue their secondary school education.

“In December, 1962, the Government approved a policy for establishing up to five secondary school hostels within five years. The first hostel was built at Hamilton Boys’

High School In 1965 and accommodated 80 boys. A combined hostel for Marlborough Boys’ College and Marlborough Girls’ College is now being built and should open in January, 1967. Plans for a hostel at Tararua College, Paihiatua, are before the Government for approval.” COUNSELLING SERVICES The recent extension of the scheme for counselling services in an additional 12 secondary schools would also help Maori pupils. Under the scheme, preference would be given to schools with a high proportion of Maori students. School guidance officers would replace careers advisers, do some teaching and be the link between the family and the school. A review was at present being made of vocational guidance services, particularly in areas where many Maori pupils were seeking employment The Education Department would like to appoint more Maori vocational guidance officers. Adults had always been eligible to attempt the full School Certificate examination involving at least four subjects taken in one year, but in 1965 the Government amended the regulations to allow them to sit one or more subjects and obtain a Certificate of Education, said Mr Kinsella.

That had been of advantage to Maori adults who had embarked on a course of study for School Certificate, either to improve their own general education or to put themselves in a position- to help their children. Changes that were envisaged in the School Certificate examination would enable school pupils to take from one to five or six subjects.

“Many teachers are giving a great deal of time and energy to teaching Maori children and understanding their difficulties. Teachers’ colleges have been giving increasing attention to Maori culture and to the education and general welfare of Maori children,” said Mr Kinsella. Mr Kinsella said that 1007 grants, totalling £BO,OOO, were made by the Maori Education Foundation during 1965. Most of the grants went to secondary school pupils to assist with tuition and boarding fees and clothing. Forty-seven had gone to Maori university students. There was a £ for £ Government subsidy on voluntary contributions of money, land and other property made to the foundation. Last year the subsidies totalled £52,000. For the 1966 school year the foundation had already made 1051 grants and the total was expected to increase considerably before the end of the year. “The Commission on Education, in its 1962 report, said that the Maori students had the same amount of learning to master as the non-Maori, but emphasised that the Maori background must be included in their school to give them a sense of belonging to a race of known and respected culture,” said Mr Kinsella. “The education of Maoris is a matter that is engaging the attention of all branches of the education service from pre-school to universities. 1 am confident, as I have said before, that during the next decade there will be a steady increase in the number of Maoris iij the professions and other occupations requiring high educational attainments."