The Bible
Our community has many commendable social initiatives, often under the radar and unheralded and motivated purely to support and enhance other’s lives.
The collective positive impact and difference made by all the dedicated people involved is invaluable – their efforts matter and raise the goodwill ‘water-table’ of our township.
Murray Smith
The dedicated Te Haerenga (The Journey) teaching team at Cambridge High School cater for young adults with unique challenges and individual needs. Equipping these students with life-skills through offering practical experiences, in and outside of the classroom, enables them to become more confident, connected and actively involved lifelong learners. Various opportunities include participating in the arts, work experience, cooking, reading, financial literacy, team sports, excursions and opportunities to develop social interactions.
My attendance at a stage production prepared by Te Haerenga class last week was second time I had joined an enthralled audience cheering these kids on. Their creative, energy packed show was titled, “I dream to be…”
The entire class played a part with everyone costumed as native birds. Their teacher was ‘Mr Maye’, a Moa. His class of pukeko, kiwi, fantail, kea, ruru, sparrows and a robin were assigned to originate a response to the proposal “I dream to be…”
The birds identify goals, pursuing a dream… except for Paulie Pukeko. Paulie dismally witnesses everyone implementing their dreams while he remains stuck, unable to nail what his dream or skill might be. In the end he realises his dream is to be an entertainer and, demonstrating a dream fulfilled, introduces a full-cast, bouncy musical finale
Education done right provides opportunities and enduring memories for ‘building’ young people. Learning environments where our youth are encouraged to become more whole, thoughtful and caring of others, contributing and making a positive difference, have a needed place. Ka pai Te Haerenga, for being that place for many.
A student in an altogether different context, Monty Roberts found high school crushing. It climaxed when a final assignment required students to write about what they wanted to accomplish after graduation. Monty’s Dad was a traveling horse trainer who visited ranches and stables training horses. Against that background, Monty prepared a highly detailed seven page description of a horse ranch he would establish. Expectantly, he waited days for his grade. His teacher returned it with an ‘F’ and called him to a meeting after school.
“Why did you fail me?” Monty asked in frustration. The teacher replied, “This dream is entirely out of reach with your background and limited resources… I’ll consider changing your grade if you’ll re-write a more realistic dream.”
Monty thought about it for a week – then turned in the same paper stating, “Keep your ‘F’ and I’ll keep my dream”. Years later that same teacher bought 30 kids to camp at Monty’s ‘Dream Ranch.’ Departing she tearfully said, “I’m sorry… years ago I stole many youthful dreams. I’m glad you had the guts not to give up on yours.”
Dreaming the impossible requires seeing the invisible. God bless our ‘dreamers’.