The highlight of the year for many MATES Senior mentees is the mid-year event, ‘Uni for a Day’ which sees over 80 of our mentees join us at The University of Auckland.

Mentees spend the day attending tailored lectures and tutorials in the Arts, Sciences, Commerce, Law and Engineering faculties, delivered by expert mentors and lecturers. As well as this, mentees are able to familiarise themselves with the city campus, learn about the various courses offered at the university, and get to know fellow participants from other schools.

Over 50 MATES Junior mentees also joined us this year at the University of Auckland for MATES Junior’s own “Uni for a Day” event.

For many, it would have been their first experience of the university environment. The day began with our mentees and mentors being welcomed at Waipapa Marae, following which they were also treated to a tour of the new science centre and a lecture visit.

After lunch, mentees took part in a thrilling ‘Amazing Race’ through the campus, with mentor helpers. Mentees completed brain teasers and team building challenges, making their way through the university in pursuit of the competition crown, which went to Waimahia Intermediate.

One of the teachers later sent in this response:

“Just wanted to say a big thank you again for such a fantastic day at University yesterday. The students had the most amazing time and came back on a such a high, talking about their fun day with the mentors and experiencing a day at university.” – Karen Ifopo, liaison teacher, at Mansell Senior School.