Following the ARA presentation, we heard from Fiona Leigh, a vocational pathways teacher at Aorere College, in charge of the Gold program.
The Gold Progam is a program that aims to keep students at school as long as possible to improve their socialization. The students that the gold program focuses upon are those that other teachers don't want, who have caused mayhem, but have potential.
The program focuses on vocational education, including pathways, building mechanics, and electronics.
Fiona shared her experience of being accepted by the students, who call her "auntie." The program aims to make students successful and give back to their communities. She emphasized the importance of mentoring in helping students see a possible future and believe they can achieve. Fiona told us that the program has faced challenges, such as students not seeing the value in their experience and not getting credits or payment for their work.
Fiona talked about mentoring within the program and the need for mentors to support the good work done at Ara. She spoke of success stories of students who are now employed and doing well. She noted a mentor's role is to offer verbal support and reinforce the skills learned at Ara.
Fioan talked about the logistics of mentoring sessions, including the best times for mentoring. The students are on site at school only two days a week, with the rest of the week spent at Ara or NZMA. Mentoring sessions would be once a week, with regular times and support from teachers. Fiona explained the role of mentors in supporting the students' learning and employability. Mentors reinforce skills learned at Ara and help students see the value of their experience. Teachers would be present to support mentors and ensure the sessions run smoothly.
The whole point of the program is to show students that their current efforts will lead to future success. Mentors are important in providing verbal support, reinforcing skills and helping students see the value of their experience and how it can lead to future opportunities.
Fiona noted that mentors with business management experience can also be effective. The gold program is aiming to support six schools and prioritize getting the two main schools going. Fiona's address concluded with a call to action for more mentors to support the program.