Top student teachers aiming to make a difference for young Māori and Pasifika
Two Victoria University of Wellington post-graduate students and future secondary school teachers have been awarded the Ministry of Education's prestigious Kupe Scholarship at an official ceremony at Parliament.
Kiriwera Nepia-Su’a, Rongowhakaata and Samoan, and Seteuati Tulafono-Nofoaiga of Samoan heritage were among the 30 Māori and Pasifika student teachers from around the country to receive the scholarship, presented by Education Minister Hon. Hekia Parata.
Kupe Scholarships are awarded to highly accomplished Māori and Pasifika student teachers based on strong academic success and demonstrable leadership experience.
Kiriwera, who is studying a Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) to complement her Bachelor of Sport and Leisure Studies, says she “loves being part of the younger generation’s education journey.
“I have a great passion for working with youth and in sport. I want to share my knowledge and experience with them. I want to help inform and educate young Māori and Pasifika.”
Seteuati Tulafono-Nofoaiga has been a tertiary and secondary school teacher in Samoa for 13 years, but began a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) at Victoria this year in order to teach in New Zealand.
Seteuati says he is “very honoured and humbled” to receive the award that he hopes might encourage other Māori and Pasifika to study hard and apply for scholarships.
Seteuati plans to teach Samoan Studies at secondary school after he graduates. “I have an undergraduate degree in English and Geography, and a Master of Education from Victoria University in Melbourne. But when I came to New Zealand, I felt it was important I promote my language. Too many Samoans have lost the language and the aim for me is to encourage Samoan descendants to have pride in their language, and their culture.”
The Kupe Scholarship helps fund course fees, and provides a study allowance, mentoring and job-seeking assistance.