Apii Nikao promotes inclusive learning with new sensory room

Apii Nikao is delighted to announce the opening of two new sensory rooms designed to provide a comfortable space where pupils with additional needs can feel at ease.

On Thursday, student Rose Greig had the pleasure of cutting rauti for one of the rooms alongside outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Tui Dewes and Principal Michael Mokai.

Mokay said they learned over time that large, open learning spaces don’t always support each child’s unique journey.

Blessing ceremony for the new sensory room at Apii Nikao. From left to right: Rev Teava Nanai, George George, New Zealand High Commissioner Tui Dewes and Apii Nikao Principal Michael Mokai. MELINA ETCHES/24082902

The school is committed to inclusivity and providing a safe space for students to feel connected, thus providing an inclusive education that supports special education students.

Mokai added that while they are still new to the concept, they are willing to learn and add more resources to these spaces.

He thanked Apii Te Uki Ou principal Kim Noovao for her support, who opened the first sensory room in Rarotonga last year.

Apii Nikao students perform Turou ritual for invited guests. MELINA ETCHES/24082907

“This is a dream come true for our school,” said George George, president of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).

“I am very touched and thank Mr. Mokai for supporting these ideas. We want our schools to be innovative and do everything they can to push students to learn better.

“They say no child should be left behind in the village. We are here for all our students, our teachers, our families and parents. Everything is for the better development of our students.”

Apii Nikao student Rose Greig enjoying the Zen zone in the new sensory room, accompanied by New Zealand High Commissioner Tui Dewes. MELINA ETCHES/24082903

“We are very pleased to be working with Apii Nikao to help create these more supportive learning environments where children with different sensory profiles can thrive and learn effectively,” said High Commissioner DeVos.

“This is important because research shows that calming sensory experiences like soft lighting, soothing sounds and tactile materials in these rooms can create a safe space where children who are experiencing sensory overload and stress can regulate and reset.

“This is especially valuable for neurodiverse children.”

With the number of children with different learning needs increasing in the Cook Islands, DeVos said it was great that Apii Nikao was taking strong steps to ensure all children were able to participate in learning here.

Apii Nikao staff and students. MELINA ETCHES/24082905

She added that New Zealand remained committed to supporting the Cook Islands education sector through the Core Sector Support Program.

Des also congratulated everyone involved in the project and reiterated their hope that these new sensory spaces will enable students to thrive and learn effectively.

The purpose-built sensory rooms were established with funding from last year’s High Commission Fund, which was themed “Turanga memeitaki – Benefits for All”.

The sensory room was blessed by Pastor Teava Nanai.

Mokay thanked Kate Jensen of the Cook Islands Autism Society, Tania Morgan from the Ministry of Education, Siteworx, the teachers and the Parent Teacher Association and the New Zealand High Commission, “We can’t thank them enough”.