Jade Ward, a former schoolteacher hailing from Tainui, is now the driving force behind her own community education organisation located just outside Invercargill. In late 2020, she established the Reigning Downs Hauora Centre with the aim of assisting students of all ages, including NCEA students, who are struggling academically. The centre focuses on nurturing the five key competencies outlined in the NZ Curriculum, which Jade believes are crucial for success. These competencies encompass thinking (including problem-solving), relating to others, utilising language, symbols, and texts, managing oneself, and participating and contributing. Jade collaborates with local high schools and community organisations to deliver programmes that teach these competencies, along with other essential life skills. Initially, participants engage in classroom-based activities, followed by experiential learning sessions with Jade's nine trained competition-level horses.
Jade offers five primary courses at the centre: Relating to Others and Communication, Understanding My Anxiety, Sensory (What Works for Me), I am Māori - I am Proud, and LGBTQI - I Belong. Furthermore, she customises programmes to address the specific needs of groups or individuals. Many of Jade's students have faced challenges in traditional educational settings and have struggled to experience success in the classroom. Reigning Downs provides a natural and holistic learning environment where students can acquire valuable skills while working with horses. This approach is supported by extensive global research, showcasing the positive impact of equine-assisted activities on various aspects such as leadership development, perseverance, problem-solving, confidence, resilience, and responsibility.
Jade firmly believes that learners must first acquire essential skills to become confident in their educational journey. This includes instilling vital values of manaakitanga (hospitality), whanaungatanga (kinship), and hauora (well-being). Many learners are unaware of their iwi (tribe) or their ancestral origins, which can contribute to academic and behavioral difficulties.
The outcomes achieved at Reigning Downs are truly humbling, with significant milestones being reached. Rangatahi (young people) who had never spoken to a teacher before have confidently addressed entire assemblies. Students who previously displayed violent behavior towards teachers and whānau (family) now live harmoniously among others. At the end of each day, they leave with a sense of accomplishment, a feeling that is entirely new to them.
Before launching her pilot course, the Murihiku Young Parent programme, Jade conducted surveys to gain a deeper understanding of her learners' concerns and issues. This invaluable information informed the content and delivery of her programme. Jade possesses comprehensive knowledge about her learners, enabling her to create tailored programmes and resources specifically designed to meet their needs. From day one, she collaborates with her learners to set goals, which are regularly revisited and adjusted. Jade's innovative and learner-centred hauora-based approach to education empowers rangatahi and others to stand tall and achieve their full potential.
This award recognises Māori Educators for outstanding service in, and contribution to, the development and delivery of adult and community education (for Māori). It is intended to be a tribute for outstanding work in teaching, training, administration, or a combination of these.
Click here to see the full list of 2023 ACE Annual Award recipients.