An action plan to ensure Pacific learners and families achieve their educational dreams and aspirations was released today by Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa.

Under the plan [2], five key shifts have been outlined to develop Pacific education over 10 years from 2020 to 2030. This includes responding to unmet needs with:

• an initial focus on needs arising from the CoViD-19;
• confronting racism and discrimination in education;
• assist families to meet learning and employment aspirations;
• develop resources for teachers to become culturally competent with diverse Pacific learners;
• and support and grow the number of Pacific teachers.

One example is providing free schools lunches for learners in areas with high levels of disadvantage. Another is to make targeted vocational training courses free for all ages.

“It will drive systemic change in and across the education system to support the education and wellbeing of our Pacific children and young people,” said Jenny.

The plan was developed after the Minister led a series of fono (consultations) over 18 months, connecting with just over 3000 people who shared what matters to them in education.

“Pacific people told me that the diversity of Pacific communities should be acknowledged and that education needs to support learners’ aspirations.”

“Pacific students, educators, teachers and parents discussed experiences of racism and bullying and challenges to their wellbeing being impediments to their educational success,” said Jenny.

The plan will guide education agencies to work collaboratively with Pacific communities and signals how early learning services, schools and tertiary providers can achieve change for Pacific learners and families. 

The New Zealand Government has invested $27.4 million in its Budget 2019 and a further $80.2 million in its Budget 2020 to support Pacific learners and families.