Aspire to inspire a lifelong love of learning
We have partnered with Children’s University Australasia and Africa to deliver their wonderful programme for local schools and communities across the North Island.
Children's University is all about connecting tamariki and rangatahi to experiences that fit their style of learning. By connecting them to different ways to learn outside the classroom, we can foster lifelong learning for all.
Over 950 Tamariki engaged
Massey has supported a growing number of tamariki through the program since 2021.
Supporting Māori and Pacific learners
Nearly half of our tamariki whakapapa Māori or to the Pacific.
A place to belong
61% of tamariki have never visited a tertiary campus prior to Children's University.
Learning anywhere, any time
55+ Learning Destinations across the North Island - with new destinations added every school holidays
How it works
What we do
Children's University supports and encourages tamariki to take part in learning experiences outside the classroom. This programme, available to tamariki aged 7 to 14, identifies learning opportunities and destinations where tamariki can explore, gain confidence and develop a passion for learning. The programme rewards activity engagement, helping our ākonga (students) to recognise that learning can happen any time, anywhere.
Tamariki can take part through their school or rūnanga. Once they are registered, they are issued a Passport to Learning. Tamariki can visit local learning destinations and record them in their passport. They record 'learning hours' through activities at local learning destinations, online activities and taking part in clubs like sports, music, dance, robotics and Scouts.
Participating schools and rūnanga are also hosted at their local Massey University campus to experience exciting activities on a Discovery Day.
Once tamariki earn 30 hours in their passports, they are celebrated with a graduation ceremony. It's a super fun, proud moment for all involved.
“It has opened so many doors to the world of learning. Isla feels like she can do and be successful at anything.”
“Children's University has lots of cool learning stuff I never knew before.”
Join Children's University
If you are part of a school or a learning destination who want to be a part of this amazing opportunity for tamariki, we can help you join the Children's University programme.
Taking part as a school
Taking part as a school
School partners that join the programme become part of a broader network of Children's University schools. Many schools report improved attendance and engagement with classroom learning as a result of participation with Children’s University.
To find out more about having Massey host Children's University at your school or rūnanga, contact our team.
How many children can participate from each school?
The programme is flexible and can be adjusted to suit individual schools. Some will have as few as 5 ākonga, while others will have up to 50.
School costs
There is a small membership fee for each child who registers. We also have a number of equity scholarships available to ākonga who wish to register but without an equity scholarship, would otherwise not be able to to do so. We work closely with our schools to help distribute these.
Taking part as a learning destination
Taking part as a learning destination
Learning destinations are locations or organisations that offer child-safe, educational opportunities and activities. The learning destinations can either be visited by tamariki with their whānau and friends, or can offer activities in schools such as sports during lunchtimes or workshops on a specific theme (such as art).
Tamariki can choose from any of the local North Island based Learning Destinations they want to visit, as well as other Learning Destinations across Aotearoa and even Australia!
Tamariki that complete the destination's activity will receive a stamp or sticker for their passport.
Learning destinations can include:
- museums
- art galleries
- wildlife parks, reserves and farms
- libraries
- parks
- local businesses
- and more!
How to become a registered learning destination
If you are interested in becoming a registered learning destination, contact our team find out more. Our Programme Manager, Janet Van Jenkins, will be in touch to discuss options with you.
Donate to Children's University
Children's University is possible with the generous donations from our sponsors. We want to support tamariki across the motu to discover their passion for learning outside the classroom.
With your financial support, we can expand to support more tamariki to learn in a way that suits their learning. If you can contribute, please contact our team.
Contact the Children's University team
Contact us to discuss the many ways you can support Children's University and the work we do for tamariki in New Zealand.
Janet Van Jenkins
