Canterbury has seen some difficult and challenging times in education and events have meant that we needed to take the time to imagine and innovate. We began to imagine what could happen, there were some who doubted and claimed such things could not be done. The goal too ambitious, too difficult with our demographics, too costly! But because of imagination, determination, belief in our abilitiesour education services and our students, we are making amazing strides.
Finding the right way to include education on such a long and complex renewal and reconstruction agenda is often not easy and the expo provided an opportunity where we could explore a range of education possibilities for Canterbury.
Each time the sector comes together Coralanne Child, Director of Education for Canterbury is reminded of a quote by Nelson Mandela that emphasizes the importance of our collective work; “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Exhibitors included Ministry teams from early learning, Property, Education Renewal, Youth Guarantee and Special Education. New Zealand Police, Work and Income New Zealand, NZSTA and ERO also exhibited and there was information regarding the region’s demographics and education profile. Education managers, special education and Youth Guarantee staff, school and early childhood senior advisors, advisors and property delivery managers were also available to provide advice and support. Again we have demonstrated that as a sector we continue to work together to provide the best possible future for our young people.