Special Schools

Under the Education Act (1908) the Minister for Education was directed to establish schools to cater for Maori pupils on a broader basis than the normal state school. These schools taught health hygiene, nutrition, and a wider selection of home crafts than the state schools in an effort to raise the standard of living in the homes by educational means.

There are at the moment (1962) about 200 of these schools still being administered by the Education Department. As far as Government policy is concerned, ample opportunities are available throughout the Education Held for advancement of Maori scholars. Specific educational grants are provided by, among others:

• Maori Purposes Fund
• Maori Trust Boards
• Ngarimu (VC) Fund
• A. T. Ngata Memorial Fund

The Maori Education Foundation has been established, not to compete with the existing grants organisations but to provide economic security to enable a Maori scholar to remain at school in an effort to complete study scholarships and bursaries. As has been stated already a Maori youth will leave school at the age of fifteen to reduce family expense and to increase family income.