Originally, known as Impact Projects, the name Puna Wānanga is inspired by the following:
Puna - spring (of water), well, pool. The place where the community gathers to connect, share, wash. This depicts a coming together of people in unity. It also depicts the process of the flowing and birthing of new ideas.
Wānanga - The act of learning or sharing of knowledge, the place where knowledge is shared and created and the people who share knowledge and experiences together.
Puna Wānanga therefore is focussed on learning centred around interest, driven by curiosity and dedicated to the development of our ākonga. It is a place where learners work with responsive kaiarataki (teachers) and authentic community partners to develop skills and dispositions necessary for future success, and build the personal agency needed to build and better their community.
Design Thinking is a mindset. It is thinking is about believing we can make a difference, and having an intentional process in order to get to new, relevant solutions that create positive impact. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving and innovation. It's a process that involves understanding the needs of people, challenging assumptions, redefining problems, and creating innovative solutions.
