Introduction:
As part of exploring how to reach our social enterprise goals of making classes accessible to families, we are using 2018 to learn about some crucial elements of this endeavor. One relates to a flow of classes that are in tune with the rhythm of family life and the other is to integrate seamlessly ways to share what we are learning with the community and allow people to contribute to the scholarship program so that we can subsidize our classes and ensure that cost is not a barrier to involvement.
Year, term and course format:
We run eight courses (for each kind of class) a year. Our terms consist of two courses which are four weeks long. So we have classes for four consecutive weeks, have one week to practice our skills and display our creations to help with funding our scholarships, and then another four week course.
During the school holidays we have longer sessions during the day which both kids and parents/caregivers can attend together.
Including all the family:
Nearly all the classes have the option of both kids and parents being involved together. Some classes allow babies and parents, others toddlers and parents and some with school aged kids and parents participating together. When the classes do not easily allow for shared learning to take place we provide a trained nanny on site, to run simple concurrent activities for the kids.
Affordability:
All the classes have course and materials costs included unless explicitly stated otherwise. All the classes have partial scholarships available through a koha system. This means if you cannot afford the full course costs you can let us know and we can access funds set aside for scholarships. To ensure this scholarship fund is replenished we encourage all the participants to volunteer some time to help with practicing their skills and creating items which can be offered to the public for sale.
Our courses for 2018
CRAFTS
Crafts (regular term)
Crafts class: 6-9 yrs – Jewellery and accessory making class for 6-9 year olds.
Sewing Classes (regular term)
Sewing class (Young Kids): Fun sewing class for 5-8 year olds.
Sewing class (Older Kids): Fun sewing class for 9-11 year olds.
Sewing class (Junior Youth): Sewing class for 12-15 year olds.
Sewing class (Youth): Design and sew your own clothes class for 15-18 year olds.
Sewing class (Adults): preparing for baby – Fun sewing class for sewing some simple clothes and projects for a new baby.
Sewing class (all ages): Up-cycle – Sewing projects that up-cycle fabrics into something new. REGULAR HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Sewing workshops (One-off)
Sewing class (adults): Making reusable cloth nappies or “Mama-cloth”. 5 hours class.
Sewing class (junior youth and youth): Bag making class. 5 hour class.
Sewing class (adults): sewing a baby carrier (Onbuhimo style carrier). Full day class.
Sewing class (adults): Up-cycle – bring in fabric/clothes you have and turn them into something else. A couple of different sewing projects are offered. 3 hour class.
ARTS
Dance/Fitness
Island Sway (adults)
Pacific contemporary inspired dance class. This is a great way to have fun and enjoy simple dance movements put to Pacific music. We also take time to focus on flexibility and strengthening exercises (core and pelvic floor). No dance background necessary. It’s about having fun and getting fit and strong in a group with other supportive and enthusiastic people.
Island Sway (family)
We have regular Island Sway classes for adults and Island Sway Family classes. The Family class is one where parents can come along with their child/children and have fun together!
Pacific contemporary inspired dance class. Bring your kids along for some fun together! Mostly consisting of warm up/stretching, balance and coordination exercises and choreographed dances.
Kangatraining -(facebook page here)
Kangatraining is a complete workout during which both cardiovascular endurance/flexibility and muscular capacity/strength are enhanced. Dance choreography (simple ones I promise!) with babies being carried in carriers, ensures babies are a part of the action as well!
The pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, as well as correct posture are given special attention. Kangatrainers are also trained in babywearing best practices and can help mums ensure the safest and most comfortable carrying positions for their babies.
KangaMix – outdoor -(facebook page here)
This is an outdoor class, that incorporates Kanga on Wheel and Kangatraining. Core control, cardiovascular endurance and functional strength are the focus of KangaMix.
