Scholarships kick-start Pacific health careers [1]
Monday, October 26, 2009 - 05:33. Updated on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 - 22:11.
Women who are adept at juggling busy schedules to meet study commitments and fulfil long-held career ambitions dominate this year's Pegasus Health Pacific Health Scholarship Awards.
Two Pacific nurses, a mental health worker, and a Pacific communications advisor were recognised at the awards, held in Christchurch recently.
Pegasus Health Chair, Dr Martin Seers, says the scholarships are designed to lead to improved health services for Pacific people and he's pleased the scholarships have proved so attractive to hardworking mothers.
"Pegasus Health has long recognised workforce development as an essential element in progressing Pacific people's health," says Dr Seers. "As an organisation we are committed to the outcome of more Pacific people working at the coalface in the provision of health care - this will enrich the health culture and provide a greater range of services to our patients."
Pegasus Health Pacific Reference Group Chair, Peter Retimanu, says this year's winners standout because of their well-rounded life experiences - something that is invaluable when engaging with people from diverse backgrounds.
"Most of the scholarship recipients are fluent in different languages and are aware of cultural protocols. This makes them very sought after health professionals not only in New Zealand, but also on the world stage."
Mother of seven and post-graduate public health student Terisa Tagicakibau (of Fijian descent), became aware of the health needs of Pacific people when she was given the health portfolio at the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.
"It made me realise that more needs to be done to address disparities in New Zealand's health system," says Terisa.
"Pacific people are experiencing illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes at an increasingly younger age. We need to work on this now if we want the next generation to be healthier."
Terisa believes if more Pacific people worked within the health sector it would greatly improve the health of New Zealands Pacific communities. She says the Pegasus Health scholarships are a step in the right direction.
"These scholarships are an avenue to allow our people to realise their ambitions within the health sector.
"To me, it is an acknowledgment of what I'm doing, while the financial assistance takes away some of the stress which is an enormous help to me and my family."
Meanwhile, Malu Tulia (born and raised in Samoa) has successfully completed a National Diploma in Mental Health - in spite of the challenges associated with studying in the early hours of the morning.
"It's the only time and the quietest time for me to study," says Malu. "After I've finished work, I'll cook tea and will spend some time with my children. Once I've finished all my chores I generally don't start my studies until one in the morning."
Malu works at the Pacific Trust Canterbury as a Community Support Worker, where she's striving to raise Pacific people's awareness around mental health.
"Our people don't want to discuss mental illness because they don't understand it.
"In Samoa they call mental illness, vale', which means stupid or dumb. But after I've explained it, families feel much more comfortable to access the support their loved ones need.
"This experience made me realise I wanted to continue my studies at university, so I can go on to become a psychologist to help Pacific people more in this area."
Malu is pleased to receive the extra help and support the scholarship provides.
"I was overjoyed to receive the award, it's helping me to reach my dream. I'm proud of myself, and it feels good to be setting a good example to my children."
This year's scholarship recipients also included: third-year nursing student and mother of seven, Liliola Toma (who was born and raised in Tonga and immigrated to New Zealand permanently just five years ago), and 21-year-old second-year nursing student Elena Moevao (of Samoan descent). Pegasus Health, 23/10/09.