Introducing the MATES team for 2024

With a successful weekend of training, our MATES team continues to prepare for an exciting start to their journey in 2024. This year we will work with over 220 students from 14 schools across Auckland.

Motivated by her passion to empower and advocate for marginalised communities, Teri Fong joined Great Potentials Foundation as the MATES Programme Manager in January 2023 and has continued into 2024. Alongside Teri are the dedicated MATES Coordinators, Ashritha, Gemma, Ma’ukakala and Rebecca. Many of which have completed the Education 200 course at the University of Auckland as a mentor and now have transitioned into the coordinator position at MATES.

MATES 2024 team: Rebecca, Teri, Ma'ukakala, Ashritha and Gemma (from left to right)

Teri Fong, MATES Programme Manager

Teri holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics/International Relations and Gender Studies and has recently completed a Master of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Auckland. Prior to working at the Great Potentials Foundation, Teri was involved in a number of non-governmental organisations before starting her career at the University of Auckland as a Schools Adviser, and Senior Schools Adviser.

Teri is passionate about youth empowerment and uplifting and empowering our marginalised communities in Aotearoa. In her role as the Programme Manager, Teri hopes to enact positive and proactive change to ensure the success of our tauira and rangatahi through the MATES programme.

Ashritha Bagadam, MATES Coordinator

Ashritha holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) since 2022. Ashritha's commitment to addressing educational underachievement among disadvantaged youth in New Zealand is deeply rooted in her teaching background. She is passionate about supporting young people's education during crucial points in their journey, believing in the impact that mentoring and tutoring can make.

Gemma O’Connor, MATES Coordinator

Gemma is a Psychology and Education Graduate since 2023. Working with rangitahi has always been Gemma's passion, learning from and supporting them on their exceptional journeys in life. "MATES is an excellent way to help students realise their potential. As mentors, we aim to offer guidance and encouragement to a treasure we know they can possess."

Ma’ukakala Hindt-Ofa, MATES Coordinator

Ma’ukakala is studying to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Education and Pacific Studies. "MATES is an amazing opportunity to give back to our communities, especially our rangatahi. My goal through MATES is to continue fostering a welcoming and safe environment for rangatahi to confidently express themselves and guide them into making confident decisions in their academic journey."

Rebecca Thwaites, MATES Coordinator

Rebecca is studying towards a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology. "Joining MATES as a mentor in 2023 through the Education 200 course was a pivotal moment, as I discovered how I can use my skills to positively impact others and help them reach their full potential. Through MATES, I've discovered a meaningful way to build supportive relationships and empower others to excel academically.”

We need more MATES mentors for 2024!

If you, or someone you know is at least 2nd Year in tertiary study in Auckland and available from 2- 3 hours per week, join us in guiding the future of our young people. This is a paid opportunity. Mentoring is highly rewarding, and you’ll gain valuable work experience.

BECOME A MENTOR

Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme (MATES) is a mentoring programme that addresses the underachievement in the education of disadvantaged youth by working alongside schools to connect tertiary student Mentors with student Mentees at key educational transition points in Year 8 and Year 13.

This year, we’re excited to introduce MATES to three high schools — Henderson High School, Mangere College, and Otahuhu College.

MATES Senior Schools 2024

Aorere College

Auckland Girls Grammar School (AGGS)

Henderson High School

Mangere College

Otahuhu College

Sir Edmund Hillary

Southern Cross Campus

Tamaki College

MATES Junior Schools 2024

Avondale Intermediate School

Clendon Park School

Finlayson Park School

Henderson Intermediate School

Mangere East Primary School

Papakura Intermediate School

Latest

HIPPY Conference 2024: Connection and Collaboration

Our HIPPY (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters) coordinators from across 27 communities in New Zealand came together for a two-day conference packed with valuable training and insightful discussions. This year's theme highlighted the importance of 'Connection and Collaboration'.
From Perry: My role as the Social Services Team Leader

With Perry’s background in social work, counselling, and management, she actively supports the counsellors and social workers in the Social Services Team.
Funder Impact Update – March 2024

In the past six months, we were grateful to receive support and contributions from our donors, sponsors, funders, regular givers, and supporters to make our work possible.
HIPPY Builds Confidence and Social Skills

Through HIPPY, Flynn was introduced to a variety of social and learning activities and built confidence and social skills. Recently, Flynn started going to a local Playcentre. We look forward to seeing how HIPPY supports Flynn’s journey throughout the year!

MATES at Mangere East Primary School

MATES is a positive way for the school to give students the space and opportunity to belong to something purposeful for them. Whether this is getting extra help with their schoolwork, gaining self-confidence...
MATES broadening Year 8 students' horizons in Manurewa

Clendon Park School is one of the schools across Auckland offering MATES Junior to Year 8 students. MATES is a positive way for the school to give students the space and opportunity to prepare academically, socially, and culturally if they need more support getting ready to transition to high school.
Uni for a Day 2023: Inspiring Year 13 students

The full-day experience allowed our MATES Senior mentees to envision future possibilities and embrace the boundless potential within each of them.
MATES creates two-way learning

We are delighted that University of Auckland student Sayali Samant has returned for another year of MATES. She is a mentor of our MATES Junior programme at Clendon Park School and Mangere East Primary School.
From Jess: My role as a MATES Coordinator

"I love seeing the level of engagement from the mentees and mentors in activities that help to boost the student’s contribution within their school and MATES." - Jess, MATES Coordinator
From Maddy: My role as a MATES Coordinator

Maddy began with MATES as an mentor through University of Auckland’s EDUC200 paper. Three years’ on, she is one of our Junior and Senior Coordinators for the programme and loves the energy, creativity and positive impact mentors can have on students.
MATES journey for EDUC 200

Great Potentials Foundation has been working in partnership with the University of Auckland’s EDUC 200 course since 2012 on the MATES programme. This year, 33 students from the University of Auckland’s EDUC 200 paper will participate in the MATES programme as MATES Mentors...
Introducing the MATES team for 2023

The MATES 2023 team is passionate about helping release the potential in young people. This year we will work with approximately 150 students from 11 schools across Auckland...
Tongan university students give back to the community through MATES

Samantha and Ane-Grace, who are both Tongan and studying at the University of Auckland, share their experiences as MATES mentors 2022.
From Ilaisaane: My role as the MATES Senior Coordinator

Ilaisaane says she loves the high energy of the mentees, and she especially loves seeing the growth of each mentee and mentor throughout the year.