A new course designed to smash the ‘brown ceiling’ has produced its first successful intake of students. Community Health Navigator, Tara Apa of F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust, was part of the first cohort undertaking the Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland micro-credential course.
“It’s validating to see how my dedication and hard work has boosted my confidence and sense of accomplishment,” they said.
The University will hold a ceremony at the Fale Maama, at the Pacific Medical Association on the evening of 17 July, acknowledging the students; for many, completing the one-semester course has been their first university experience.
Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Pacific Associate Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Administration (FMHS), said the stand-alone course was part of a key initiative to upskill the sectors that support Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The course aims to upskill the many highly experienced Pacific professionals in the health and social sector, while improving the overall quality of life for Pacific communities.
He said the University recognized enticing Pacific people into tertiary study meant meeting the community ‘where they were’ and it was a step in the right direction to see the first intake of students successfully complete and pass the course.
“We’re aiming to make a giant leap for the Pacific community, inviting them to come back into tertiary education, and work toward a university qualification,” he said.
Improving Wellbeing Outcomes for Pacific Families navigates the Pacific Whānau Ora model in Aotearoa New Zealand health and the social service sector. Sir Collin said the intention was to complement existing postgraduate offerings in Pacific Health or other related fields at the University for students wishing to continue their tertiary journey.
A new strategic partnership between the Pacific Medical Association Group and the University’s FMHS has included the development of the Knowledge Hub: an entity to enable Pacific People to live longer, better lives in New Zealand and the region.
A key aim of the Knowledge Hub is “to contribute to health workforce best practice for practitioners in health and social outcomes, policy development, and health communication.”
A proud Sāmoan fa’afafine, Apa says they enrolled in the course to acquire the skill set required to provide Whanau Ora navigational services, and the university experience had been transformative.
“It has benefited not only myself, but also the organisation I represent and the community I serve. Additionally, this program will facilitate the continuation of my studies.
“Connecting with like-minded individuals and sharing experiences as a community navigator were particularly constructive and enriching.”
Completing the course had also set the bar higher for Apa; now having a more comprehensive understanding about the qualifications and skills required to enhance career prospects.
“Professionally, this achievement can open doors to new opportunities for me.”
While Apa experienced many of the challenges university students commonly face: completing assignments on time, juggling work, family and community commitments, they said there were many highlights, such as coming onto campus and networking with fellow students.
“I was able to engage and connect with other students of the course, have discussions on previous lectures and assignments. I enjoyed the way discussions were delivered,” referring to the talanoa sessions.
There was also high praise for the lecturers they say were encouraging and kept everyone motivated.
“They always had time for the students, and for encouraging everyone in the course to pass.”
Media Contact
Kim Meredith | Pacific media adviser | M: 0274 357 591 | E: [email protected]
