To strengthen the academic focus within the I Have a Dream outcomes framework, particularly around literacy and numeracy, I Have a Dream has partnered with consultants Chrystal Hapuku and Sharleen Nathan of StudyFit. 

Throughout 2025, they’ll deliver wānanga (workshops) to upskill Navigators in practical strategies for supporting Dreamers from early foundational skills to NCEA success.

The first session, held during the Term 1 break, introduced the 3C Model to Support Success – a framework for helping Dreamers confidently tackle complex tasks.

This added support is already boosting Navigator capability in the classroom and beyond.

Looking ahead, the team is also exploring a Dreamer alumni rōpū (groups), ensuring former Dreamers have a voice and can help shape the future of the kaupapa.

I Have a Dream Navigators work in partnership with Kaiako (teachers) in each kura to provide targeted one-on-one and group support to Dreamers who require additional assistance within the classroom, making ongoing numeracy and literacy upskilling vitally important.

This ongoing commitment to upskilling will ensure Navigators are well-equipped to support Dreamers from mastering foundational learning concepts, right through to achieving CAA, NCEA, and UE standards.

The I Have a Dream Outcomes Framework plays a vital role in guiding Navigators as they design programmes, create learning opportunities, and engage with whānau to support Dreamers in developing key capabilities and achieving long-term success.

Over the past year, the team has placed a strong focus on reviewing and strengthening this framework to ensure it continues to deliver meaningful impact.

Programme Coordinator and former Navigator, Laura Griffin, has led this important mahi, collaborating closely with General Manager of Operations Mo Matautia-Tepania and other members of the Senior Leadership Team and facilitating interactive workshops with Navigators.

Together, they have refined the medium and long-term outcomes and explored meaningful ways to measure progress. This work is laying the foundation for deeper insights and more robust data on the long-term impact of I Have a Dream on Dreamers, their whānau, and communities.

As a result of Laura’s work, I Have a Dream has a refreshed and more structured Outcomes Framework that clearly defines medium and long-term goals, better represents the Navigator role, closely aligns with the New Zealand curriculum, and has a strong focus on numeracy and literacy which has been well received by partner kura (schools).

This updated Outcomes Framework provides a solid foundation for I Have a Dream’s plans to expand and reach more communities across Aotearoa. It guarantees that programme activities are intentional, measurable, and aligned with key educational outcomes, particularly in literacy and numeracy.

Most importantly, it signifies a shift from a broad, holistic approach to a more strategic, outcomes-focused model – one that helps Dreamers thrive at every stage of their journey.

With a stronger framework, clearer outcomes, and deeper professional development, I Have a Dream is well placed to grow its impact – and support more tamariki to thrive across Aotearoa.

To read more about I Have a Dream and its impact read the 2024 Annual Report here.