A charitable trust has hit a milestone, helping more than 1000 children from low-income families with maths.
Mathematics for a Lifetime charitable trust host a quiz night annually to raise funds. Photo: Supplied
Eight years ago, Te Awamutu-based Mathematics for a Lifetime chairperson and founder Jean McKenzie recognised a need.
McKenzie said there was no accessible support system for students from financially stressed families who were falling behind in maths.
“I knew of people who would like access to that sort of support and weren’t able to get it. Using our criteria we are targeting people who otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to get that help,” McKenzie said.
“It’s very overwhelming and incredible to reach this milestone. There’s a lot of people that have been on the journey to this stage. We have an outstanding board in place and there’s been other board members that have been part of that.
“We aim to transform lives, giving children an opportunity to change their path. Often for the first time in the family, they’re changing the path that has happened for generations.”
Trust administrator Narelle Brooks said although 1000 students have received direct support, the web of help is estimated to have reached as many as 5000 people.
Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster will speak at the trust’s next event, a celebration of the 1000 children helped. Photo: Supplied
The trust has two branches of support. In-person tutoring and online math courses for rural schools.
For tutoring, students’ families must earn under $65,000 a year and there must be family support to ensure consistent attendance.
The trust has approved tutors in Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Kerikeri.
Their goal is to become national, as it’s a one-of-a-kind trust in New Zealand.
It’s not just about math. It’s about using the subject as a tool to empower young people and give them the confidence for life.
Students become passionate about math and help family members and friends with their learning.
“The kids come in needing math assistance, either filling in the gaps in their math education or we do extension work when they’re wanting to drive and push themselves a little bit further,” Brooks said.
“Math is the tool, but what’s really amazing is that it helps the kids with their mental health and well-being. We’re breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, confidence and resilience.
“Then they’re able to put their hand up in class and ask a question, because they’ve got more confidence, and take on other challenges in their life that they thought they couldn’t do.”
The trust has won several business awards, proving their sustainable model.
They have partnerships with the Gallagher Charitable Trust, Glenice and John Gallagher Foundation and Waipā Networks, as well as many significant sponsors such as DV Bryant Trust, businesses and individuals.
“We don’t work in isolation, it’s a very big circle in partnership with Waipā Networks, Gallaghers and all the other individual funders too. It’s them and then us coordinating things. It’s like a big circle and the child is in the middle,” McKenzie said.
“But not only that, it’s all our support people, like my husband.
“Our partners and sponsors have been really impactful on the ability to have the growth that we’re looking for. The generosity has been incredible. They’re making a massive difference to children within the community.”
Sponsors receive reports each term about children they support, including academic progress, emotional development and photos.
This helps them see the impact of their contributions.
The trust is opening doors for children’s futures, at school and upon graduation, but they couldn’t have done it without community backing.
“It’s about the flow on effect. Start with the child and it goes to the family and that leads to the communities. It goes back to that old saying, when individuals do better, communities do better,” Brooks said.
“There’s a lot of emotion behind it; it’s not just math tutoring. We can only keep doing what we’re doing if we have the support of the community.”
A mix and mingle event will take place in August to celebrate the 1000 student milestone and to thank everyone involved.
Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster, an expert on resilience, is the guest speaker.
“Ian has already been to one of our main events. We have a quiz night that we do each year. He’s good friends with one of our board members Graeme Foote,” McKenzie said.
“He immediately said that he would be very happy to take the opportunity to come and support us on this occasion.
“It’s very exciting to have someone of his calibre to come in, recognise what we’re doing and happily speak at our event.”
Mathematics for a Lifetime charitable trust chairperson and founder Jean McKenzie (left) alongside administrator Narelle Brooks.
