In November 2009, Horowhenua College hosted a group of two teachers (Teacher from Senior High School 1 and Teacher from Vocational School 1) plus 12 students over 13 days from Solok, Western Sumatera. The group was accompanied by six delegates from Solok which included the Head of the Education Department, Head of Quality Assurance Division, Head of Senior High School 1, Deputy Headmaster of Vocational School 1, Head of Teacher Association and a Solok Education Board member.
The delegation visitors stayed in Wellington during their six day stay (spending some time at Victoria University) while the rest of the group stayed with billets in Levin, mostly with Horowhenua College school families.
A powhiri at Horowhenua College marked the beginning of the visit with the Wellington visitors joining us for this occasion. After the powhiri, the Indonesian students were buddied with Horowhenua College students in the classroom and so began their experience in a New Zealand school. The delegation went on to meet the Principal, had a tour of the school, visited the Council Chambers with the Deputy Mayor and then lunch and a taste of the ‘country’ on Keeling’s farm.
The students were well looked after by the Year 9 and 10 students (seniors were involved with exam preparation at this time) with everyone benefiting from the experience.
The programme included time in the classroom, visits to Massey (Palmerston North), UCOL (Palmerston North), Victoria University (Wellington), Parliament and Te Papa. In addition, other sightseeing experiences, exposure to Maori culture and trips with the families billeting the students.
As a result of this visit, Horowhenua College is making a return visit from 2 May to 13 May.