Waiheke Adult Learning (WAL) combined two celebrations in September – the Festival of Adult Learning and acknowledgement of their 20 years’ service as an incorporated society within the Waiheke community. To mark the occasion, an event was held at the centre on International Literacy Day, and students illustrated the office window and shared their stories of involvement.

Manager of WAL, Jo Nuttall says that although the incorporated society is 20 years old, their learning story stretches back much further, with volunteers providing support for foundation literacy needs as far back as the 1980s.

“We grew from literacy support to broadening our kaupapa to community education more widely. The diverse programme includes foundation skills, apprentice learning support, learning within te ao Māori, including te reo Māori, creative courses, employment skills such as first aid, alongside a range of other courses such as ukulele.

“There continues to be a focus on practical skills with one-on-one digital support provided for people needing help with smart phones and laptops. We are also home to Waiheke’s community driving school, Wai Drive, with subsidised lessons offered to Waiheke residents.”

One of those residents engaged in the te reo classes is Helen Duley who started attending with her daughter Kim.

“When Kim started coming to classes, that opened the door for me. I was brought up in an era when we were forbidden to speak te reo, so this is a beginning for me and an emotional and healing journey. I have waited 72 years to learn about rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) and I am finally doing that too. Together we are also upskilling in computing so we can stay up to date.”