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The Wellington graduation ceremony was held on 28 December at a lecture theatre on the Pukeahu campus. Twenty-one students from Taita Central Primary School in Lower Hutt donned graduation garb to receive their graduation certificates in front of parents and staff.

The Manawatū graduation ceremony took place on 7 December at the Marsden Theatre. This ceremony included 75 students from Longburn School, Te Kura o Wairau, Takaro School and Riverdale School.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly says lifelong learning is something Massey strongly believes in.

"Children’s University is about helping young people encounter things that will inspire their learning journey. I’m thrilled that Massey is able to connect with local tamariki through this programme and look forward to seeing many more graduations like this one.”

At the Manawatū ceremony, Dr McGonagle-Daly shared a story from his own upbringing and told the students to hold on to the things that inspire them.

Te Kura o Wairau principal Teena Johnson says being part of the graduation event was an honour and privilege.

"To gather with other kura at ������Դ and mingle with fellow graduates, whānau and friends of the programme was such a highlight. We were proud to participate in this event that was run so smoothly and with much aroha. We look forward to 2023."

Background

Children’s University is a charity programme that supports and encourages young learners to participate in educational experiences outside the classroom. The programme identifies learning destinations where tamariki can explore, gain confidence, and develop a passion for learning. Massey is the only university in the North Island to offer the Children's University programme, which started in the United Kingdom in the 1990s.

To join the programme, tamariki apply through their participating school and once they’re enrolled, they receive their Passport to Learning. With their passports, tamariki can visit local learning destinations of their choice. Visits are recorded, and each entry is validated in their passports by the learning destinations.

They also get membership to an online portal with information about local destinations, along with a wealth of online activities for days they can’t get out and about. Once 30 hours or more are earned in their passports, tamariki receive a certificate at a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements.