Maori Education Foundation's Basic Principles

Te Ao Hou, March 1964, Page 53

Maori Education Foundation's Basic Principles When this issue of ‘Te Ao Hou’ went to press, the Maori Education Foundation had already made 217 awards for 1964, at a cost of £2,200. Just over half of these awards went to children who were helped in 1963. Here is a statement by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation which explains the basic principles used in their decisions. Extension of Opportunities The Maori Education Foundation is concerned with the extension of educational opportunities for Maori children who may, for one reason or another, be denied them. Because of the wide range of circumstances dealt with by the Foundation very few hard and fast rules have been adopted. This enables the Selection Committee, where appropriate, to meet real needs that are brought to their notice. Some basic principles have, however, emerged as a result of the Committee's experience. They are as follows:— (1) All awards are made on the dual basis of merit and need. ‘Merit’ takes into account the ability of the applicant to benefit from the proposed course. ‘Need’ refers to economic, social and environmental factors. (2) Where it assists with all or part of the boarding costs of a pupil the Foundation expects the pupil's family benefit to be assigned to the boarding school. (3) Where good post-primary facilities are readily available locally the Foundation is unlikely to assist a child to attend boarding school unless the child's scholastic progress is handicapped by disadvantageous home or environmental conditions. (4) Children will not be assisted to attend boarding school for religious reasons ONLY. (5) The Foundation will consider applications on behalf of children who show average or less than average academic or vocational potential only if family or other special circumstances indicate that the educational needs of the children can be met only by assistance from the Foundation. (6) Because it is concerned with the extension of opportunities the Foundation will not, except in exceptional circumstances, meet any arrears of fees incurred before an application is made. (7) For needy children attending their local schools as day pupils, small grants for clothing may be made. However, the child's family benefit should be used towards the cost of clothing required in the first year at post-primary school.