Congrats to Hāwera grads

A small group of South Taranaki ākonga who were unable to make graduation last month were acknowledged in a low-key event at the Hāwera WITT Te Pūkenga campus recently.

“For many, this was their first graduation, and while they didn’t wear the official graduation gown, that didn’t detract from the importance of acknowledging their efforts in front of friends and whānau,” says WITT Te Pūkenga Deputy Chief Executive Allie Hemara-Wahanui.

In total 10 ākonga and their whānau were present along with Mayor Phil Nixon who had some encouraging words for the group: “Opportunities don’t just happen, you create them and you have now created many opportunities and possibilities for your futures and whatever they are - make it a good one – it will not always be easy and there will be falls but these are just part of it. The important part is the getting back up, getting back up even stronger than before.”

Graduate and student leader Sara Gatenby spoke on behalf of ākonga.  Sara graduated from Te Reo Level 1 and has enrolled in the Level 2 programme. 

No celebration is complete without kai, and the Trades Academy ākonga from Patea Area School studying Food & Beverage did a great job serving guests.

“Hopefully the event inspired the Trades Academy ākonga to continue their learning journeys and one day experience the thrill of graduating from tertiary study themselves,” says Allie.

The South Taranaki campus is located on Union Street, Hāwera and offers a range of programmes.  Ākonga enjoy the convenience and benefits of learning locally.