Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
70 students were honoured at a graduation a few days ago
for computing and Maori language.
Most of whom were kohanga reo teachers.
Celebrating those who foster the language.
It is right that we acknowledge them
for fulfilling the wishes of our elders.
These kohanga reo teachers that were acknowledged today.
It took some students more then three years to achieve this
but as they look back they have no regrets.
The main thing for me is that our grandchildren
will reap the benefits of our hard work.
That is what makes it all worth it.
It is not easy, having to work entirely in Maori
and further developing your skills as a teacher.
Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi
has some words of encouragement for the students.
Most of them are new and have completed Te Ara Tuatahi.
Those of us who are fluent, we must nurture this next generation.
But she knows were the future of the language lies.
It will be our youth who continue this battle.
The sun has set on our elders.
There will be ceremonies held throughout September.
Heta Gardiner, Te Karere.