Cherishing Kaumātua the Focus For New Course at TWOA

A new programme from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa teaches the skills and understanding needed to support the elderly in ways that best meet their needs, and the Level 3 Te Kumana Raeroa programme is being offered in Porirua in March. It combines tikanga Māori with an understanding of health services to ensure kuia/koroua and their whānau are not only well looked after, but cherished, understood and empowered in the community.

Programme manager Shirley Ikkala says the course came about after discussions with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa co-founder Marie ‘Aunty Ma’ Panapa, who passed away last year, but remains the inspiration for Te Kumana Raeroa.“Aunty Ma used to visit the old people and was in the process of being assessed as a carer,” Shirley says. “Her korero that ‘ageing is a personal stepping stone of emotional growth’ is a signpost for this course and her voice is part of this programme.”

The 18-week course is aimed at anyone over the age of 16 who has an interest in learning how best to ensure our kuia and koroua are well cared for. “Often, they can care for themselves but this is about whānau understanding how to care for them,” she says. “It’s bringing whānau together so we can talk about things we sometimes find it difficult to talk about. Our kuia and koroua have valuable contributions they can make so this is about more than caring for them, it’s about cherishing and honouring them.

“It’s about whānau coming together and understanding the ageing process and what happens when you age. The sad thing is our elderly – along with our young - are our most vulnerable. We should cherish our kuia and koroua and they should be able to cherish their whānau.”

The programme covers subjects such as differing views on ageing, tikanga, whānau kaitiaki roles and responsibilities for kuia and koroua, effective communication, advocacy, strategies and support for both kuia and koroua and their whānau. It covers both Māori and non-Maori aspects of caring for the elderly.

For more information on certificates in adult education, primary teacher courses and learning te reo please go to:   https://www.twoa.ac.nz/Nga-Akoranga-Our-Programmes/Health/Certificate-in-Tiaki-Kuia-Koroua .