Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
A number of prominent Maori leaders are urging the Kohanga Reo Trust
to get their affairs in order.
Former Minister of Maori Affairs Koro Wetere says
the trust needs to implement management systems employed by kura,
that is, that iwi decide their own representation.
The time for change is now.
It's our language as well.
Let us have a hand in how it works.
A tohunga, isn't it.
The former minister of Maori Affairs says the Kohanga Reo Board
needs to change in order for the Kohanga to move forward.
I think its time to hand it back to the tribes to manage.
The new board needs to have three-year terms.
Koro Wetere support the Kohanga Reo when he was in cabinet,
but he says its time for the movement to be handed back
to tribes and families who started the Kohanga Reo in the first place.
The kohanga need upgrading
and the teachers need to have the proper certificates to teach.
They need to teach the language of each tribe.
There is also a concern that the original reason
behind Kohanga Reo, the language, has been forgotten,
and that parents have a large part to play in its survival.
There are very few parents who go to kohanga
and help teach their children,
and the parents aren't carrying on the lessons at home.
The kids are at kohanga for six hours,
then they spend the rest of the time speaking English.
He says its now in all Maori hands to ensure the movement survives.
Irena Smith, Te Karere.