Schools receive World Cup resources

New Zealands High Commissioner to the Cook Islands John Carter has announced that school children in the southern group will receive Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) education resources courtesy of the New Zealand government.

Students from years one to eight will receive activity books focused on different themes associated with sport and how a nations identity, language and culture can be expressed through sporting events such as the World Cup.

Teaching notes will also be provided to assist teachers in incorporating the material into their class programmes.

These helpful resources present RWC 2011 as a context for engaging students in learning activities relevant to their everyday lives, Carter said.

Students are encouraged to understand and get involved in RWC 2011, one of the biggest sporting events to be held in the Pacific region.

The materials are about more than just the great game of rugby. Through the classroom activities students will have the opportunity to learn how to give and receive feedback, resolve conflict, and how to set and work towards personal goals.

Yesterday, as he hosted principals from schools across Rarotonga, the High Commissioner explained the idea to provide RWC 2011 resources to Cook Islands classrooms came about following New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCullys visit in July.

Cook Islands students demonstrated real enthusiasm and commitment at the rugby coaching sessions run by sporting legend Jonah Lomu during the visit, Carter said.

Tournament organisers wanted to further support students by providing Cook Islands schools with these useful resources.

The NZ2011 office developed the resources in collaboration with the New Zealand ministry of education. Around 480,000 New Zealand schoolchildren are now using the resources.

Carter said the teachers of the Cook Islands do not receive enough thanks for their work with children, and took the time to extend his gratitude to the group yesterday.

Apii Nikao Maori principal Terangi Elike said the books would add to the excitement surrounding the World Cup at the school.

Elike said even the young children at the school were swept up with the World Cup hype, and the workbooks would be an enjoyable addition to their study.