Early Learning and Child Care Diploma students immerse in cultural exploration in New Zealand

Students in the second year of Aurora College’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Diploma program participated in an Indigenous Early Child Care Education Field School in New Zealand in February 2025.

The field school was part of a collaborative project with three colleges from British Columbia (North Island College, Coast Mountain College, and Northern Lights College). Each school sent four students and one instructor; staff and students from North Island College were also accompanied by two Elders.

During the trip, our students had the opportunity to learn and work alongside organizations and educational institutions that specialize in promoting Māori language, culture, and tikanga (customs) within the early childhood and education system.

“Our students had the chance to see a holistic practice in action, gaining a better understanding of the ELCC field across Canada and New Zealand, especially in terms of Indigeneity,” said Janine Rommel, Program Head of Early Childhood Development. “Working alongside these schools and cultural organizations opens the doors for educators and students alike to enrich both their own education, as well as their teaching skills.”

Students noted they were able to learn and explore further the ideas of integrating culture in early childhood learning, while in some cases also gaining pride and confidence in their own Indigenous culture and language and carrying this forward in their journeys as educators.

During the February 17-28 trip, the group did some work and learning with Te Rito Maioha, an organization that provides support for early childhood education and offers degree programs, as well as promoting Māori language, culture, and tikanga within the education system. They also spent time at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Whakatane Campus, a well-known tertiary institution that offers programs emphasizing Māori language, culture, and education, as well as attending the Te Matatini Kapa Haka National Bi-Annual Festival, a prestigious and highly celebrated Kapa Haka (traditional Māori performing arts) festival held in Aotearoa (New Zealand).