EPIT hosts Literacy Community of Practice

It all started with a chat

In 2022, we noticed that a number of our partners and potential partners had a common focus on Literacy.  Forever wanting to play our role as the dot-joiners, we asked whether they would like to meet each other.  Our vision was that by bringing these organisations together, we might help create new connections and collaboration opportunities.  

On 5 Oct 22,EPIT facilitated the first conversation for what would develop into the Literacy CoP.  In attendance were:

• Porirua Collective
• ‍Ready4Learning
• ‍Talking Matters
• ‍Tātai Aho Rau

Following the first zui, the group identified a desire to continue to meet and keep connected.  The Literacy CoP was formed.

Early Collaborations

In early 2023, EPIT held the second Literacy CoP meeting.  At this stage, there were some new faces to the group with Cure Kids and Sew Your Story joining in.  The second meeting was focused on collaborations, and connecting the members of the group based on shared needs.  From this meeting 2 collaborations started to form.  

Ready4Learning were planning a conference bringing ECE teachers and Primary teachers together. A potential for collaboration arose with Talking Matters being a speaker at the conference.

Tātai Aho Rau were connected with Sew Your Story to provide support specific to curriculum design and navigating the education system.

CoP Provides Guidance

The third Literacy CoP meeting was a pivot from the previous themes.  Tātai Aho Rau had recently completed the first phase of their Communication for Wellbeing initiative and had been unsure about what their next steps might be.  

They leaned into the knowledge and expertise within the Literacy CoP group for support. The Tātai Aho Rau team presented the details of their work, and the learnings they’d gained. They then opened the floor to the other members of the CoP for their thoughts and guidance about potential next steps.  

This sparked discussion with, and feedback to the Tātai Aho Rau team

Shifting gears

The latest meeting of the CoP was a reflective piece looking back at 2023, and thinking about the direction for the group in 2024.

Reflections:

-         We are noticing a lot more spirituality in expression

-         Exploring AI to for its potential to overcome barriers

-         Funders are focused on equity

-         Change in government has brought with it uncertainty and concern about what the future holds

One message came out strongly from the group – we need to do more to platform the voice of the communities we serve.  

So the next steps for 2024 are set – how might we use the strengths, networks and learnings of this group to play more of an advocacy role for educational equity?

If you are interested in finding more about the Literacy CoP, please get in touch with us.  We’d love to hear from you.

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