Paralympics New Zealand is excited to launch Seeing is Believing, the Paralympic Education Programme in partnership with Toyota. Seeing is Believing aims to change perceptions of disability through the lens of Paralympians, Para athletes and the Paralympic Movement.
Seeing is Believing includes the International Paralympic Committee’s I’mPOSSIBLE modules. These take learners from Years 1-6 on a journey and challenge them to take steps towards growing a more inclusive Aotearoa, beginning in their own school and community.
Teachers and kaiako have access to a range of engaging adaptable and easy to implement resources. Each school can use the resources in a way that is most useful to the school, class, and community.
The resources explore the Paralympic values, Paralympic Movement, and a variety of Para sports, all tailored to the NZ context and curriculum. Once a school engages with the programme, they can register for the opportunity to have a Harvey Norman Para Sport Champions visit to share their stories, inspire and be a part of the learning.
Teacher Caitlin Hall is excited to see the nationwide launch of Seeing is Believing. Caitlin’s school, Scott Point Primary School, took part in the pilot of Seeing is Believing last year:
“The Seeing is Believing programme was a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about Para sport and disability in a fun and engaging way. Our students loved meeting Paralympians and Para athletes and learning about their stories. Seeing the students engaging in the different para sport and gaining new perspectives was such a fantastic thing to see. We are excited to see this programme rolled out across New Zealand and encourage all schools to give it a go.”
Toyota excited for Seeing is Believing launch
Toyota General Manager, Marketing, Andrew Davis is enthusiastic about the potential of Seeing is Believing:
“Toyota are thrilled to support the launch of this next phase of ‘Seeing is Believing’, marking a significant milestone for our shared goals to foster diversity and live by the Paralympic values of inspiration, courage, determination, and equality. We are excited to see the impact that this programme will have on young people across New Zealand.”
We encourage schools to register in 2023, explore the resources in readiness for your school to participate in 2024. The year of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Seeing really is believing.
The changes schools will see:
- A more inclusive playground, classroom and communities where we see abilities in ourselves and others.
- Tamariki change the way they think, play and include others.
- Changed perceptions and behaviours.
- Learners living the school values through meaningful and relevant activities.
- Teachers/kaiako are motivated to think about how they can modify activities to ensure that all learners are included.
For more information or to register visit education.paralympics.org.nz
For additional information please contact Kasey Wilson – Paralympics New Zealand Education Lead
[email protected] | 022 043 4584
