Blazing ahead in creating a new environment and the island’s first after school care programme, Apii Nikao officially blessed the establishment of “Tiaki Tamariki” on Thursday last week.

The innovative initiative is a passion project for Lysia Stringer, the deputy principal and Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO), who had shelved the idea for some years since she got busier.

Stringer had always wanted to established Tiaki Tamariki to support the school’s families in providing a much-needed service for working parents.

The new centre will be based on school grounds in the Avatea Hall and will open on Monday (today). They already have 10 students on their list.

Tiaki Tamariki will provide a safe and nurturing environment for children after school hours. They can also be assisted with homework.

Stringer said she was motivated to look into the project again after being approached by working mum, Poko Marama.

Marama said she couldn’t find anyone to mind her seven-year-old daughter after school.

She was delighted to see Tiaki Tamariki come to fruition – a big help and peace of mind for parents.

“Poko came to us asking about after school since she has a young child here,” said Stringer.

“I think there is a real need for it now and we are finding some kids are going to their parents’ workplaces after school.”

Tiaki Tamariki is only open to Apii Nikao students for the rest of this year.

A small fee will be required for your child to attend, supervised by two staff members.

Stringer says the idea eventually is to have a cultural aspect, and an elderly couple has already indicated their desire to teach ukulele to the elderly.

Apii Nikao principal Michael Mokai said “we believe that this initiative will strengthen our community ties.”

George George, chairman of the school’s Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), was “so happy” to see this project get off the ground.

George said that there are many parents working and they need a safe place to keep their children that is affordable for them.

“Some staff can’t concentrate and they drop what they’re doing and rush to pick up their kids, and sometimes they forget to pick them up,” George said.

“You can’t leave little kids on their own at home.”

Minister for Education Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa applauded the Tiaki Tamariki afterschool care programme.

“I think parents will be much more comfortable knowing their children are in safe care, and less stressed so they can focus on their work rather than about their kids,” Mokoroa said.

Mokoroa said he would be keen to support schools who take up initiatives like this.

Parents and guardians who would like to register their child for Tiaki Tamariki can contact the school for more information.