Great Potentials Foundation

Founded in 1990, Great Potentials Foundation is a charitable trust for the promotion of education and parental support. We are working in communities that need help to unleash the potential of their children, young people and parents. Our Mission: Working for and with children, young people and families to promote family functioning, relieve suffering, release potentials, reduce disparities in New Zealand society, reduce crime and violence and break the cycle of disadvantage. We do this by providing education and support at key points of transition though three proven programmes: • FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES – Two centres located in Papakura and Takanini are true community hubs, providing integrated health, education and social services to those most in need. • HIPPY (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters)- a home-based early education programme empowering low-income parents to prepare their 3-5 year old children for success at school by fostering parents' skills and confidence as educators. • MATES (Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme) – this programme addresses the underachievement in education of disadvantaged youth by working alongside schools to connect Tertiary student Mentors/Tutors with students at key educational transition points in Year 8 and Year 13.