Partner Showcase Event Nov 23

EPIT hosted our partners in Te Whiriwhiringa The Nest to share their work

It has been a busy year of working with existing and new partners, to better understand their kaupapa, and supporting them to create impact for their communities. With the end of the year rapidly approaching, we reached out to our partners and asked them if they would like to come together, to share and talk about the work they have been doing, and their stories of change, with others. The answer was a resounding YES and so we hosted as many of them as could make it in Te Whiriwhiringa The Nest.

Kai and Kōrero

As a good and responsible host, we supplied the kai knowing that our partners would supply the kōrero. They were asked a few questions and had free reign to answer those in a presentation, whatever that meant to them. The questions we asked were:

• What is the equity challenge you have identified?
• What is your initiative idea?
• Identify 1-2 equity outcomes
• Share 1 key learning
• 1 'heart-warming' story

What ensued was nearly 2 hours of presentations, plenty of tears, smiles and applause. It was truly a pleasure watching and listening to the presentations straight from the proverbial horse's mouth.

What did we learn?

There is huge apetite for people wanting to connect and learn about what else is happening in the eco-system.

People want to hear the stories of change, this is where the real gems are that can help create systems shift.

The potential to create collaborations from such events is huge, and can lead to opportunities for scaling and greater impact.

There is a shared sense of purpose and it is central to the why of engagement, and the stories of impact.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi

Together we have the power to create systems change, for the visions we want to achieve. EPIT is committed to our vision of Achieving a thriving, equitable Aotearoa for all learners.

Feedback from one of the participants in our Partner Showcase event.

EPIT is more than a funding source for innovation in learning. The approach that it takes enables people to get on with their innovation and to make changes to the lives of many whānau and tamariki. Big, audacious innovations sit alongside smaller initiatives. We can listen, learn and collaborate at the edge of what we know and the possibilities of our ideas. This is a unique approach in my experience, still accountable and robust.

A big mihi to our partners Cure Kids, OKE Charity, Springboard Trust, Stand Tall, Tātai Aho Rau, Te Kete Hono and Waitākere College who made it on the day.

And a big mihi to our partners The Education Hub, Little Pearls, Netsafe, Nōna Te Ao and Talking Matters, who wanted to be there but were unable to make it.

If you are working in the educational equity system, and want to find out more about joining our growing partner network, please get in touch.