Late last year, 10 small rural schools in the Whitestone Kāhui Ako, in Waitaki, collaborated on an Inspiring the Future event to spark their students’ curiosity and aspirations.
About 100 Year 8 students had the unique opportunity to engage with nine diverse role models from the health, aviation, construction, agriculture, media, and technology sectors.
A few days before this in-person gathering, students from one of the schools – Ardgowan School – also joined one of the regular online events that the Inspiring the Future team facilitates. Ardgowan Principal Ryan Fraser says it was an exceptional way to prepare and energise students for the main in-person event.
We interviewed the organisers – Dana Goodall of Ardgowan School, Stephen Ross of Glenavy School, and Ryan.
How did you hear about Inspiring the Future? Why did you decide to get involved?
Dana and Stephen: We first heard about Inspiring the Future at the Waitaki Pathways Leadership Breakfast in 2023. We decided to run a Kāhui Ako event to showcase the diverse opportunities available to Year 8 students, helping them visualise a successful future.
Ryan: I first heard about Inspiring the Future through the Kāhui Ako, and then heard about the online sessions at another careers meeting. I was alarmed by some of my students’ attitudes towards careers – saying they do not want or need to work when they are older. It is important for all students to be exposed to positive role models throughout their lives and this type of intervention does that and could spark something in someone to make positive choices for themselves in their futures.
What were the advantages of running an Inspiring the Future in-person event as a Kāhui Ako?
Dana and Stephen: Pooling resources for the event made it accessible to the small rural schools that mostly make up our Kāhui Ako. It was also a good networking opportunity for students before they transitioned to secondary school.
What were the benefits of Ardgowan School students taking part in an online Inspiring the Future event before the in-person one?
Ryan: It familiarised students with the idea of Inspiring the Future and how events work. These students can be shy, so it was a real benefit for them to be prepared and confident in the format before the Kāhui Ako in-person event. And being able to join a facilitated online event from our school was very easy.
What did you think were the best parts of the day and how did students benefit?
Dana and Stephen: The role models were excellent; they engaged the students, answering questions authentically and openly.
The students benefitted from exposure to a diverse range roles and education/training pathways before heading to secondary school where subject choices become more important as they get older.
And challenging stereotypes – many of the role models did not necessarily match what the kids thought they would do for a job.
Ryan: Opening the students’ eyes to possible career options for their futures. It was great to see everyday people doing different, achievable things.
The face-to-face event also showed them the amazing things people are doing in our community.
Do you have any event tips for other schools or Kāhui Ako?
Dana and Stephen: We had a dedicated MC – Rebecca Ryan – which left us more able to circulate and support the role models and students.
We would reduce the number of role models – nine careers were a lot of information for the students to take in.
The 20 questions could be streamlined by using visual cards for the yes/no/maybe/sometimes answers.
Ryan: Providing students with Chromebooks during online sessions to enable real-time research on role models’ careers.
What the role models said
“Being part of the event was amazing. It felt great to show the kids that, even with challenges like dyslexia and ADHD, you can still achieve your goals. Changing into my nurse uniform was a way to show them what’s possible with hard work and determination.” – Maddi, registered nurse.
“I loved being part of this event benefiting the kids. I have a son of a similar age that I hope to be a part of such an event next year.
It's really encouraging seeing such incredible minds asking beautiful questions. Happy to help where I can.” – Rico, AI reliability engineer.
“It was an absolute honour to be invited to this event and I really enjoyed chatting to the students about what I do in healthcare to help the students decide what field they are looking to study/work.” – Thomas, registered nurse.
“It’s so important for kids to learn about the different career paths out there - university isn’t the only option. If you had asked me five years ago, I would have never guessed I’d be working for myself. I always doubted myself, but with the support of others, I’ve seen incredible growth. It’s amazing what you can achieve with the right mindset, no matter your education.” – Aynsley, Videographer.
Get involved
Register your school for our Term 1 facilitated online events. These ongoing online sessions provide a fun, effortless way for students to interact with the world of work.
Want to run an Inspiring the Future event with your Kāhui Ako? Contact us for guidance and support.
Schools involved in the Whitestone Kāhui Ako event:
- Ardgowan School
- Glenavy School
- Weston School
- Maheno School
- Hampden School
- Kakanui School
- St Joseph’s School (Oamaru)
- Five Forks School
- Totara School
- Papakaio School
Role models’ jobs:
- Nurse (2)
- Hato Hone St John paramedic
- Pilot
- Builder
- Dairy farmer
- Videographer
- Digital analyst
- AI reliability engineer
Want to inspire young people as a volunteer role model? Find out more and sign up.
Want to connect young people with role models from the world of work? Get in touch.