Education
Korihi te manu | The bird sings
Takiri mai i te ata | The morning has dawned
Ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea | The day has broken
Tihei Mauri Ora | Behold there is life
A bit about our values, our philosophy and us
Education is an important component of the YMCA mission. At the Y we hold to the fundamental purpose of the YMCA movement - founded in enabling young people to thrive and take their place in our community – our purpose is to ‘build strong kids, strong families, strong communities'.
Put another way, we invest in the next generation. Education at the Y creates new opportunity. Our philosophy is based on the understanding that education is about developing the whole person. We believe learning is socially constructed and that we learn from old and new experiences. We also learn from each other recognising the unique talents in each person. We value qualifications as a statement of competence and the opportunities qualifications open up for us.
As a NZQA registered Private Training Establishment, we are specialist providers in Foundation and Vocational Pathway education. Our full-time programmes can lead to lead to NZQA level 1 and 2 qualifications. Unit standard and/or project-based assessments are features of our programmes and support the development of communication, problem solving, literacy, numeracy and interpersonal skills.
In accordance with section 234B of the Education Act 1989, The National Council of YMCAs of NZ has no known material conflicts of interest of any of the governing members of the establishment.
Partner Agencies
Programmes
All programmes are FEES-FREE
ACE [Adult Community Education]
“Get a head start on your learning journey with our ACE fees-free short course.”
This and other ACE short courses Offered at New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Timaru, Ashburton, Invercargill & Winton locations.
Programme information sheet ‘ACE’ coming soon.
Full-time Programmes - Y-Skills
Enrol into our FREE Youth-Guarantee funded programmes and gain Level 1 and 2 NZQA qualifications. Our Y-Skills programmes can support eligible learners into further study, apprenticeships and employment.
Offered at New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Timaru, Ashburton, Invercargill & Winton locations.
Offered at New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Timaru, Ashburton, Invercargill & Winton locations.
A part time course [up to 20 hours per week]. Receive 80-300 hours of expert teaching to raise reading, writing and math skills”.
Offered at YMCA Gisborne, Hastings, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Timaru, Ashburton, Invercargill.
Programme information sheet ‘Intensive Literacy & Numeracy programme [Y-Skills for Life]’
Other short-term or part-time training options are available at our provider sites. Check out our local websites below for options:
The YMCA PTE operates a NZQA and TEC approved subcontracting model with six regional YMCA Associations. The National Council of YMCAs of New Zealand is a category 2 registered provider. NZQA is confident in the educational performance and self-assessment capability of our tertiary education organisation.
https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providersWhat our students say:
I like how the tutors are nice and that everyone that comes into the Y turns into a little family and that's something that make the Y because it's a family like community.- ILN student
I love the way the tutors know to communicate with the students I love the feeling of being a part of the Y with friends I now call family and the work is explained by the tutors in a way that everyone can understand and if anyone needs one on one help the tutors are always there to help you and they make sure you don't fail they push you to do your best and the results are unbelievable I never knew how smart I was until I came to the Y- YG student
it's a great learning environment. Everyone is really easy to get along with including the tutors making it easier to learn. They are also good at focusing on each individuals needs.- YG student
I am accepted for who I am. I am strongly encouraged to be the best I can be. I am not judged by my past just encouraged for my future. I am learning to believe in myself. For the first time in my life I am having fun learning in this wonderful no pressure environment.- ILN student
What our stakeholders say:
I think the YMCA do a great job, they contact us for holistic support for rangatahi and keep us informed before problems get to big.- Young person support
The YMCA has been hugely supportive of our organisation in a number of ways, running health related programmes, transitioning our students and 1-1 support of our students through YJ. We are always treated with value and respect. Staff are always willing to find the best way to work with our students. Excellent job!!- Referral agent
The YMCA do a fantastic job often taking on challenging students who if not for the YMCA would not know a nurturing learning environment. I am grateful to have this resource in the community. Places like this are saving lives and giving hope and education back to youth.- Young person support
All enquiries or concerns to national@ymca.org.nz
Tertiary Education Commission
A distinguishing feature of the Y Education programmes is our focus on the whole person. Our programmes follow the Te Whare Tapa Wha model: Te taha hinengaro, physiological wellbeing, Te taha whanau, family wellbeing, Tet aha tinana, physical health and Te taha wairua, spiritual wellbeing. Our teachers and programmes specialise in re-engaging dis-engaged learners.
Our Philosophy
The YMCA is registered with NZQA as a PTE (Private Training Establishment) delivering TEC funded programmes.
Our specialist services focus on literacy and numeracy, developing skills and knowledge to enable young people to lead fulfilling lives. We also provide vocational training across Social & Community, Primary Industry and Service Industries Pathways. The Y programmes are individualised and designed to meet the needs of specific students.
Our People
Leona van der Heyden
General Manager Education
Leona joined the YMCA team in September 2020 as General Manager Education. Leona has an extensive background working in the Industry Training sector, leading the development, delivery and quality assurance of programmes. She views education as a key enabler for all, but particularly for our youth who may be struggling to find their direction and purpose. Leona specialises in leading the delivery of education outcomes with a focus on ensuring that the flexible needs of our learners are at the heart of everything the YMCA Education team provides.
Leona joined the YMCA team in September 2020 as General Manager Education. Leona has an extensive background working in the Industry Training sector, leading the development, delivery and quality assurance of programmes. She views education as a key enabler for all, but particularly for our youth who may be struggling to find their direction and purpose. Leona specialises in leading the delivery of education outcomes with a focus on ensuring that the flexible needs of our learners are at the heart of everything the YMCA Education team provides.
Christine Fenton
Principal Advisor Academic and Policy
Christine Fenton has extensive experience in the education sector. Starting as a tutor and working up to an Academic Director (senior leadership team), she then set out as an independent educational consultant working with NZQA, ITPs, PTEs and ITOs. She studied as a Waikato University Doctoral Scholar and was awarded a PhD through the Department of Engineering and Science, looking at curriculum development for science subjects in New Zealand Nursing degrees. She reviews regularly for academic journals, has multiple publications, has won awards for research leadership, was a KiwiBank Local Hero in 2017 for services to youth education opportunities, and was part of a team that was a finalist for Prime Ministers' Award for leadership in Education. She lives in New Plymouth, is married to Michael, and has three grown up daughters.
Christine Fenton has extensive experience in the education sector. Starting as a tutor and working up to an Academic Director (senior leadership team), she then set out as an independent educational consultant working with NZQA, ITPs, PTEs and ITOs. She studied as a Waikato University Doctoral Scholar and was awarded a PhD through the Department of Engineering and Science, looking at curriculum development for science subjects in New Zealand Nursing degrees. She reviews regularly for academic journals, has multiple publications, has won awards for research leadership, was a KiwiBank Local Hero in 2017 for services to youth education opportunities, and was part of a team that was a finalist for Prime Ministers' Award for leadership in Education. She lives in New Plymouth, is married to Michael, and has three grown up daughters.