Hamish Cleary (20) and Jonty Campbell (19) enjoy spending time in the Rangiora Community Garden, next door to Rangiora High School. Photo: North Canterbury News / David Hill
Hamish Cleary, 20, likes making things in building class, enjoys gardening and loves mowing lawns.
Like many students, Hamish is pondering what to do when he leaves school later this year.
But while other students might consider going into further education, training or employment, Hamish faces more obstacles.
Rangiora High School Lighthouse programme teacher Julia Malcolm said Hamish and other young people with special needs have a full programme at school.
They have a range of conditions, including autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, but have willingness to learn and live meaningful lives, she said.
The challenge is transitioning from school into the workforce.
"Trying to find places for these students to 'work' in some way - either volunteering, or work experience is really hard." Malcolm said.
"They all really want to be doing something meaningful aside from their recreational activities in the future.
"They are very capable, willing, resilient, and lovely people to work with."
Jessica Higgs (20) spends time in the Rangiora Community Garden. Photo: North Canterbury News / David Hill
Malcolm is keen to hear from local employers willing to offer work experience for Hamish and other young people.
She said the students would be supported with a learning assistant, if necessary.
"They just need people who are empathetic and prepared to give a bit of extra time and creativity to think how they could be included in the workplace."
The school's Board of Trustees backs the programme.
Presiding member Simon Green said the board "is immensely proud" of the staff and students in the Lighthouse programme.
"The success stories emerging from this programme are a testament to the passion and hard work of our staff and the connection to our local community is critical.
''We value the long standing relationships we have with our local businesses and hope that more will see the value of supporting our young people."
Midge Walesby (16) works in the soil with help from kaiawhina (learning assistant). Photo: North Canterbury News / David Hill
There are 35 students in the Lighthouse programme, including 16 in the senior transition class and 19 in the junior classes.
The students can stay at school until they turn 21, with many of the senior students supplementing their programme with mainstream classes in a range of subjects.
Last year senior students began working on the Duke of Edinburgh programme, on top of their regular activities out in the community.
The Lighthouse programme students have interests similar to other students.
Jonty Campbell (19) likes art and gardening, Jessica Higgs (20) likes spending time in the garden, art and drawing, and Midge Walesby (16) likes learning French and te reo Māori.
Anyone wanting to help by offering opportunities for the Lighthouse students can contact Julia Malcolm on mmj@rangiorahigh.school.nz.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
