YMCA Tauranga Launches New Programme!

Tuesday, 12 January 2010, 2:31 pm
Press Release: YMCA

12th January 2010

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE

YMCA Tauranga Launches New Programme!

In response to the community need, the YMCA Tauranga is pleased to announce the launch of its Mothers and Preschoolers (MAPS) Programme.

The programme will centre around activities and needs of the caregiver, their preschooler and their parenting skills. All activities will have a literacy flavour with a practical application. Activities include: cooking healthy and low fat meals, hygiene, health agencies and their services, budgeting, knowledge of community help agencies, childcare and support organisations as well as time gaining computer skills.

The course is aimed primarily at Mothers with preschooler children from all cultures and backgrounds who have literacy needs but fathers and primary caregivers are most welcome. Mothers are the primary educators and influence on children especially in their first few years of life. Increasing the mother’s literacy level and their awareness of literacy opportunities for their preschoolers that are in the home will have a positive effect for everyone.

“There is a clear need to provide programmes to equip parents with greater literacy and numeracy skills as their level of literacy has a huge impact on their children” says Judy Kane, Education Manager for the YMCA. “We need to convince parents of the importance of education and literacy as a crucial part of the development of their child. The better educated the parent, the more they will value education and encourage their children” says Kane.

The programme is free to participants and delivered in small groups one a day a week from 9 am-2 pm, for 20 weeks. Children attend with their parent and the YMCA provides transportation, morning tea, and lunch.

It is a fantastic programme and interest is very strong. The first of four courses starts on 8 February. Please contact maps@ymcatauranga.org.nz or call 579 6534 for more information.

About YMCA Tauranga

To us, it’s all about showing your spirit. Ask yourself, when was the last time you showed yours?

Most people hold tightly onto theirs, often too shy to release it. Some people let their spirit run wild, and sometimes have to rein it in- and we meet tonnes of people who have just never been shown how to find theirs. You also get the occasional person who reckons they are just saving their spirit for later.

At the YMCA we work with people to help find their spirit, so they can make the most of their experience and unleash their potential on the world around them.

ENDS

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YMCA

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The Y has been in New Zealand for over 168 years, building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. There are 48 Y centres across New Zealand.

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