Education for Young Parents

Stratford High Whaimana Ako is a Ministry of Education funded Teen Parent Unit. The school offers secondary education for teens in Taranaki who are pregnant or the primary caregivers of their children.

“Students currently studying with us range in age from 14 to 21 years and we collect students and their children each day from their homes. In terms of travel, our main aim is to be able to collect the students in a timely manner, without too much travel time in the van,” Tracey Jones, Teacher in Charge, said. 

“There is no funding from the Ministry of Education (MOE) for transport for Teen Parent Unit students. There is a small $4 per day conveyance allowance to parents, however most students are living independently without transport or licenses, or their parents do not have the funds, transport or time to travel to Stratford.” 

“We were spending around half of our operations grant paying for van leases, drivers’ wages and the ever increasing price of fuel.” 

With the help of funding from Toi Foundation, Stratford High Whaimana Ako purchased two 14-seater vans, with a third on the way. “We now have three van runs to different parts of the region. This means that the babies have less time stuck in their car seats, and students are home in time to have appointments out of school.” 

“Students can work towards NCEA and University Entrance, along with National Certificates. All of our students are on individual learning plans, meaning no two students are on the same regime."

"Our students also enjoy being able to connect with other young parents on the course as we were often the only people they kept in touch with after having their baby.” 

“The grant means our MOE funding can stretch to offer our students more opportunities in vocational-based courses which are often expensive and out of reach,” Tracey said.