Flash mob dance troupe spreads the message

15 November 2013

Flash mob dance troupe spreads the early childhood education message at big Otara event

The benefits of early learning and early childhood education will take centre stage at the Otara Town Centre this weekend, at the For Otara, By Otara event.

Ministry of Education Deputy Secretary for Early Years, Parents and Whānau, Rawiri Brell, says a flash mob dance troupe choreographed by a top dancer will help spread the word with a performance at 10.30am on Saturday morning.

The dance troupe will dramatise the idea of children from different backgrounds coming together to learn. Advisors will be there to talk with parents about early learning, answer any questions and help families enrol their babies in early childhood education.

“Families can learn about the different early childhood services available and how to find one that suits them. They can also find out about services where their identity, language and culture is valued.

“The early years are vital for a child’s development and future ability to learn.”

The Ministry of Education has teamed up with the Otara Network Action Committee to spread the word on early childhood education, with the slogan “Be Involved, Get Enrolled”. More than 2500 people are expected to attend For Otara By Otara.

“The Otara Network Action Committee has come up with exciting ways to carry the early learning message to its people. They are encouraging families to expect good things for their children’s education.”

The government has a target that 98 per cent of all children starting school will have participated in quality early childhood education by 2016. At the moment the rate is 95.7 percent, with strong growth among Māori (92.7 percent) and Pacific (89.1 percent) children. This year the government is investing $1.5b in early childhood learning.

“In Otara the level of participation is 89 percent, so there’s still work to do. We want to see even more children from Otara enjoying the same quality start in education as young children in other parts of the country”.

More community events to highlight early childhood education options are scheduled for over summer, especially around Otara and Papatoetoe.

ENDS

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