Risingholme’s purpose as an organisation is to sit at the heart of wider learning communities and in doing so contribute to the wellbeing, confidence, and personal growth of the people we serve.
Over the summer, we partnered with the University of Canterbury’s PACE programme to host an intern, Amaia. The PACE programme is an example of Work Integrated Learning (WIL), where students can connect what they are learning in the classroom with real-world experience by working on projects with local organisations.
For host organisations, WIL is an opportunity to bring in different points of view as students contribute new ideas to existing projects and can enhance the capabilities of the team through mentoring and leadership opportunities. The PACE programme is also a natural extension of Risingholme’s goal to provide and nurture opportunities for lifelong learning, and Amaia’s internship proves the value these kinds of experiences bring to the personal and professional development of students.
Read on to find out more about Amaia’s journey at Risingholme.
Kia ora Amaia, we’re excited to have you here at Risingholme for the summer! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your upcoming internship.
I’m currently completing my internship at Risingholme while studying a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, with minors in Māori and Indigenous Perspectives and Forensic Psychology. I have a particular passion for uplifting and advocating for Māori rangatahi which I hope I can continue further with. As a 23-year-old woman, I have a deep appreciation for the experiences of rangatahi who aren’t always given opportunities or the space to be heard. Many young people simply haven’t been offered something that “fills their cup” or helps them see their potential. I’m excited to learn, contribute, and be part of the meaningful mahi happening within the Risingholme community.
This internship is just one part of your learning journey. What was your learning journey like before coming to Risingholme?
My journey reflects the very Kaupapa I hope to support at Risingholme. I left school early in Year 12, thinking I would go straight into work. While that path works for many, I was unsure where to begin. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, how to find resources, or even who I was yet.
After leaving school, I struggled to find spaces to learn outside of qualification-focused education. I felt lost, without hobbies, friends, or interests that felt like “me.” It took time, exploration, changes, and almost giving up on trying, Now, I can say that I’m in my third year of university after switching degrees twice and changing courses more times than I can count, deeper connections and I’m discovering new things about myself every day.
I understand that:
Not knowing is normal.
Learning is lifelong.
Life is about exploring.
All great mantras to keep in mind!
You joined the Risingholme team for the summer, what was the internship project you were working on over this time?
My internship focused on youth and lifelong learning. I was tasked with finding out more about what people who are just finishing school or are in tertiary study consider lifelong learning to be and how they might engage with it. This included doing lots of research about what kinds of courses and learning experiences youth are interested in, what’s already out there, and what the future needs might be.
Was there an interesting finding that came out of this research?
During my first weeks at Risingholme, I researched organisations that worked with youth across Christchurch and Aotearoa. From this, I discovered that many organisations varied in how they defined ‘youth’ with factors like age, programme styles, and teaching methods all informing what constitutes youth for an organisation. It’s a complex label to unpack.
Any other highlights from your internship?
One of the early highlights of my internship was attending the Garden City Mākete in December. Risingholme had a stall there to highlight some of the learning opportunities in the Creative Arts and beyond. Alongside this, some of Risingholme’s tutors ran different interactive workshops for visitors. It was a busy day but very valuable. Speaking with so many people throughout the day provided a deeper understanding of our community and the diverse perspectives within it. The event also helped build my confidence as a speaker.
I also had the privilege of helping create a short youth-focused survey for Risingholme (which I got to share during the Garden City Mākete). Hearing directly from young people about their interest in upskilling courses and workshops offered insight into their needs, challenges, and aspirations. This experience strengthened my goal of being a strong voice for youth and contributing to opportunities that genuinely support their futures.
Developing your skills and putting them into practice was one part of the internship, but how was it like being part of a workplace and working at Risingholme specifically? Was it a place you had heard of before doing this internship?
The more time I spend at Risingholme, the more I see it as a hidden gem, a kind of learning community that is becoming rare. When I started the internship and began researching the organisation I became aware of the different courses they run. When many people hear “courses” or “workshops,” they think of certificates, qualifications, and grades. For some, that can be intimidating or discouraging, but Risingholme is different. Courses and workshops are built on the foundations of enjoyment, creativity, tradition, and accessibility. They are designed to feel effortless, and enriching. At the heart of every programme is a focus on wellbeing grounded in self-care and lifelong learning. These values drive the organisation and the staff and tutors in it. I enjoyed being a part of it and contributing to the work they do.
What impact has this internship had on you?
Interning at Risingholme has allowed me to have many conversations about community, how people view learning, what motivates them, and what they feel they need. It has become clear that Risingholme is more than a place to gain skills. It’s a place where people come to connect, explore, heal, grow, and rediscover parts of themselves they may have forgotten or set aside.
The internship has helped me gain skills and confidence that I can take into the workforce after my studies. It’s provided an opportunity for me reflect on my own learning and opened my eyes to how my degree and my interests can connect to many different jobs.
Your confidence has certainly grown throughout the internship and your perspective on lifelong learning was broadened because of working at Risingholme. Any words of advice or encouragement for young people looking to dive into lifelong learning through community education?
Even if it’s joining a crochet group, painting, cooking, a gaming group, or introducing yourself to someone new, you never know which small experience might inspire you, connect you, or shape your path.
Trying something new is an act of courage. It’s also an act of self-care, connection, and growth. Everyone deserves access to all those things.