Sport and physical activity are key to the Whanganui pilot program tackling truancy and behavior problems in schools

Children in the pilot program at the Tough Kids event in Cooks Gardens this week. Photo / Bevan Conley

Sport and physical activity are being used to address truancy and behavior problems in Whanganui primary schools.

The Kaitakawaenga pilot program began when principals from Aranui, Whanganui East, Gonville, Carlton and St Mary’s schools met to address the issues facing students in the wake of Covid-19.

Using a grant from the Department of Education, they commissioned Sport Whanganui to run a mentoring initiative.

Mentors Tuera Pirikahu and Justin Gush visit the schools every week.

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Gush said sports are a way to build relationships with children and connect with families.

“Once we have established a good relationship, we can begin to delve into self-knowledge and fill the kete [basket] acquire tools that will help them in life.”

He said the children in the program need support in dealing with certain situations “instead of going straight to fighting.”

“We look at the types of emotions that can build up in these situations and how we become aware of our bodies as these changes take place.

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“Feedback from school leaders has shown a reduction in incidents at school. That’s definitely a good sign.”

Carlton School principal Gary Johnston said the course helped students deal with challenging or complex situations.

“Sometimes kids struggle with the winning and losing aspect, and I like the fact that we didn’t shy away from that,” he said.

“There is still a lot to gain and lose, but how do you regulate yourself emotionally in these areas?”

Sport Whanganui active communities manager Jodie Brunger said she recognized early on that her organization was viewed differently to a traditional social service.

Their service was “the fun service” and less threatening.

“Especially after the Corona crisis, I think there was a tendency for people to stay isolated,” said Brunger.

“Perhaps some families have not placed the same value on education – ‘the children haven’t been to school during Covid-19, so it’s not a big problem’.”

“This highlights the importance of education, not only for academic success, but also for their social and emotional success.”

Justin Gush says sports are a way to build relationships with kids. Photo / Bevan Conley

Gush said it was a “sad state of affairs” when primary school children were struggling with problems such as truancy, which usually occur in older students.

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“We want to catch them now and help bring about change.

“It’s not just about the children, but also about the relationship between families and schools and trying to strengthen them.”

Ten-year-old Sonny Lambe from Gonville School said basketball and boxing were some of the sports they were involved in.

The students learned kind words and caring, he said.

“We breathe too – when you get angry and stuff. We did it yesterday and it really helped.”

Gush said families in the community are facing challenges, especially given the cost of living crisis.

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“We know how tough it can be out there.

“Like the children, families also need to participate in the program. We really get behind them and try to remove any obstacles.”

Aranui School principal Maryann Roberts said sport was an effective way to connect with children.

As a result of the program, students were at school significantly more often.

“Some physical activity can balance the brain and enable you to talk and learn,” Roberts said.

“This feeling of success and increase in self-esteem comes from commitment.

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“In human nature, we long to build relationships and make connections, but it’s difficult for children to express that.”

Roberts said there is always a lot of talk about education, but more action is needed and she was really glad school leaders were able to embrace it.

“Now we have something that we know and believe will work. Let’s get on with it.”

Mike Tweed is deputy news director and multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sports to music. He is currently focused on local government, particularly Whanganui District Council.