Manaaki tāngata
Inclusive Social Development
Inclusive Social Development at Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay is about championing every individual’s potential and fostering a strong, interconnected community, celebrating diversity, embracing life’s rhythms, and nurturing holistic wellbeing for all.
At Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay we understand the diverse nature of human experiences and expression. We strive to work in partnership with disabled people and their whānau to create a nurturing and holistic environment for all.
We are proud to be part of an international movement for inclusive social development, rooted in a philosophy that dates back to 1924. Inspired by Dr Rudolf Steiner’s teachings, we believe in a holistic approach to support individuals with intellectual disability, on their journey towards personal growth, social integration, and self-determination.
Anthroposophic Inclusive Social Development is a worldwide movement of initiatives in the field of disability, education, health and wellbeing, striving to contribute to a world in which a good life is possible for all human beings. This approach embodies the principles of enabling good lives.
Our work at Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay focuses on situations where people are at risk of being excluded from access to education, health, and social participation because of a disability or social situation.
We see our task on the one hand in supporting the individual on his or her individual life journey and on the other hand in creating social spaces and communities of support in which this path can unfold.
Cultivating a nurturing environment where every child’s potential is embraced and celebrated, creating a brighter future for all.
In the realm of children’s education, inclusive social development offers a multidisciplinary approach to nurturing the growth and development of tamariki and rangatahi requiring individualised supports. Our approach is mana-enhancing, integrating education and holistic therapies with a strong emphasis on enhancing quality of life and supporting the development of life skills and capacities — we are dedicated to providing a human-centric experience.
Our educational approach is built on several key principles:
- Family Engagement: The whānau is at the centre of our community model. We recognise and value the vital role of whānau in a child’s life. Our commitment extends to engaging and involving families in the Hōhepa home and educational life, fostering a holistic support network.
- Dignified Education: Every child deserves an education that respects their age and individual needs, fostering a sense of dignity and belonging in a vibrant and inclusive setting.
- Threefold Human Being: We delve into the essence of each child’s unique constitution, embracing the threefold nature of the human being—body, soul, and spirit.
- Comprehensive Understanding: By considering the entirety of a child’s life circumstances, we can individualise the right educational approach that caters to their holistic wellbeing.
- Collaborative Expertise: We collaborate with a diverse range of specialists, including paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, GPs, and behaviour specialists. This collaborative insight enables a holistic approach to be flexible and appropriate.
- Embracing Therapies: Our approach encompasses a spectrum of therapies, enriching the educational experience and facilitating each child’s unique journey.
- Transition Support: We provide essential transition support from school to post-school life, ensuring a smooth and successful journey into adulthood.
Inclusive social development for children is about empowering each child to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Enriching lives and strengthening Communities for rangatahi and adults.
Our vibrant community at Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay thrives through the remarkable engagement and contributions of every adult person we support. Each individual is celebrated for their unique qualities and our day activities programs are designed to empower people with purposeful work, social engagement, life long learning opportunities and a strong sense of belonging.
Inclusive social development is at the heart of our approach, focusing on granting every person the utmost dignity and respect. We believe in meaningful work that nurtures social connections and acknowledges the richness of each individual’s life story. This way of life fosters relationships, partnerships and unity.
Our initiatives encompass a range of transformative practices:
- Open Communication: We prioritise open dialogue as a foundation for understanding and connection.
- Fostering Social Capacity: Through purposeful work, living skills, leisure, and role acquisition, we empower individuals to enhance social capabilities and a sense of responsibility.
- Active Participation: We encourage active involvement and contribution in everyday life, fostering a strong sense of community engagement.
- Community Building: Our efforts extend to building a supportive and inclusive community that embraces every member.
- Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment: We acknowledge and nurture inner and outer growth through a diverse cultural and spiritual experience.
- Natural Support Networks: We involve and strengthen natural support networks to create a nurturing environment.
- Embracing Diversity: Inclusion is paramount, and we embrace and celebrate diversity across all ethnicities, cultures, religions, and genders.
- Promoting Wellbeing: We create an inviting atmosphere that promotes physical wellbeing and understands the power of rhythms, whether daily, seasonal, or annual, to support holistic health.
- Access to Therapies: Our range of therapies enhances wellbeing and personal development, fostering growth and empowerment.
- Life Story: We recognise the importance of personal life stories and offer guidance in exploring one’s own life journey to record and celebrate the life journey and have a record for later life.
How we support