Update: 135 schools are currently waiting for a Funding Partner. Be the reason these tamariki fall in love with reading.
What happens when a Duffy Role Model visits a school?
At Te Mahia School, the afternoon included an interview, a music quiz and a waiata. Read how Principal Yvette Pohe described musician Raymond Bishop‘s Role Model visit.
How the school prepared
Te Mahia planned the afternoon so tamariki were part of it from the start.
“Our tamariki and staff were genuinely in awe of Matua Raymond and his kōrero. Our senior leaders had prepared an interview for him, and Matua was incredibly generous in answering their questions and sharing his experiences. We then challenged him to a musical quiz, Matua Raymond versus our tamariki! He was such a great sport and entered into the fun with a wonderful sense of humour.“
Nothing Is Impossible
“We then handed the floor over to Matua Raymond to share whatever he felt he wanted our tamariki to know. This became the most special part of the afternoon. Matua sang the beautiful waiata he composed for Jonah Lomu, Nothing Is Impossible, and then asked our tamariki to listen carefully and share the words and messages that resonated with them.“
What tamariki heard
Yvette shares that tamariki reflected back many incredibly powerful messages, such as:
More than a musical journey
“What struck me most was Matua Raymond’s calmness, humility and wairua. There was something incredibly genuine and uplifting about the way he spoke to our tamariki. He wasn’t simply sharing his musical journey; he was encouraging our young people to believe in themselves, follow their passions and make the most of the opportunities they have.“
That’s what a Role Model visit is for. Not a performance, but someone who genuinely cares about helping tamariki back themselves.
Richer for the experience
“As a kura, we are incredibly grateful for experiences like this. If Matua Raymond’s kōrero and waiata inspire even one of our tamariki to believe a little more strongly in themselves or to pursue a passion they may otherwise have been too afraid to follow, then we are richer for having shared the experience.“
Role Model assemblies give tamariki someone to believe in. The books they own through Duffy help them keep believing in themselves.
Be part of the next afternoon like this
Role Model visits and books to own reach Duffy schools through Funding Partners and supporters.