Published on 31st of October, 2023
Earlier this year, Aratupu Preschool & Whānau Hub set up craft classes to engage parents and help them feel more at home within the Aratupu community. Knitting, crochet, macramé and jewellery-making classes were held, and beautiful artistic creations emerged. However, within days it was clear that the sessions would go beyond craft-making as participants gained confidence, began to socialise, and even became teachers themselves.
“A lot of these parents didn’t know a lot of people. They might have seen other people at drop-off but may not have engaged with them,” says Aratupu Whānau Support Worker Bridget Swan. “Some were nervous about using the whānau room but these days it is busy every Monday and Friday afternoon with up to six parents crafting before pick-up.”
A number of unexpected but pleasant outcomes have occurred. After a poi-making class, one parent with an aptitude for this activity ran a class for others. Another had to pluck up the confidence to walk in the first day but a week later was teaching someone else to knit. A mother with English as a second language has since enrolled on a barista training course and often sends Bridget photos of her coffee creations.
“The group is really about making the parents feel more comfortable and knowing that we’re here for them, even if we don’t do it formally. We’re trying to help them make connections, to not be reliant on me, and to look for that independence. We want them to take ownership of Aratupu,” Bridget says.
