In Auckland New Zealand, the struggle faced by Pacific families to make ends meet has become an all-too-common reality. As the cost of living continues to rise, many families find themselves grappling with financial burdens that push them to the brink. Some high school students are shouldering the responsibility of working 25-50 hours per week in paid jobs to help support their families. Juggling night shifts and school responsibilities, these students face challenges head-on, yet they remain motivated to fulfill their academic duties. Often arriving at school in the morning after completing their jobs, they exemplify resilience and achieve remarkable feats, such as working overnight shifts and sacrificing sleep to complete their school assignments.
1News, recently shed light on the struggles and achievements of these students. Teachers at Tamaki College have witnessed students’ families struggling to pay for expenses like electricity bills. The school has even used donated money to negotiate with employers, allowing students to take a day off work while still getting paid, so they can attend school. However, this is only a temporary solution and not sustainable in the long run.
Principals and staff at Tamaki College and Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate are aware that the rising cost of living will make things even tougher for their students. They try their best to find solutions and support their students, ensuring they don’t get left behind. Saturday classes and flexible learning options are provided to help students catch up on missed school work.
These students make sacrifices and face challenges in order to support their families financially. They often have to choose between work and school, and their loyalty to their families leads them to prioritise work. The principals emphasize the need for understanding and support for these students, as their circumstances are not always recognised by society.
With New Zealand now officially in recession, concerns grow that the situation worsen for Pacific families who are already grappling with financial hardship. It is crucial that there is increased collaboration between schools, government agencies, and other organisations to address the social inequities faced by these students. The resources from the Ministry of Education are limited, highlighting the need for a collective effort is required to ensure these students are provided with equal opportunities to succeed.
Despite the numerous challenges, the principals and staff are committed to keeping their students in school for as long as possible. They appreciate the honesty, courage, and potential of their students, and they strive to create an environment where every student can succeed.
The students themselves have dreams and aspirations for the future. They aspire to pursue careers in fields such as architecture and medicine, driven by their desire to not only give back to their families but also make a positive impact on others. If given the opportunity, they would use their success to support their families and improve their living conditions.