- Since its foundation in 2019, the Mātāpuna Mātātahi I Children’s University has grown from 192 to 1,450 members.
Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University aims to raise young people’s aspirations for higher education and encourages lifelong learning. Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University work in partnership to deliver the children’s programme in the Waitaha | Canterbury region.
This week, both Canterbury universities hosted children aged 7-14 to engage in fun hands-on experiences designed to broaden their interests, demystify the university environment, and spark an interest in a tertiary education.
Over two days, tamariki from 17 schools visited UC’s Ilam campus to participate in a range of activities that showcase the breadth of learning offered. Some highlights were experiencing an Antarctic temperature cold room, some neon colour-changing science experiments, and a Mechanical Engineering lab. Tamariki also engaged with Maths, Business, Product Design and Sports Health Science experts. University of Canterbury volcanologist Professor Ben Kennedy organised a fun volcano experiment for the kids (see photos).
