Pacific forum advocates whole-sector tertiary approach

Pacific forum advocates whole-sector approach to boost tertiary success for Pacific development

With ongoing inequity between Pacific and non-Pacific learners in tertiary education, the entire sector needs to take greater responsibility for Pacific success. This is the key message being delivered this week in Auckland at the inaugural Pacific Tertiary Education Forum (4-5 Nov).

The goal of the forum is the development of a strategic and sector-wide approach to enhance the success of Pacific peoples in tertiary education. The event is intended to lay the foundations for strong and sustainable changes in practice (including teaching, support services, and organisation policies and processes) towards that goal.

The Association of Pasifika Staff in Tertiary Education (APSTE) and Ako Aotearoa - National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, are co-hosting the forum with support from the Tertiary Education Commission.

Keynote presenters Associate Professor Toeolesulusulu Damon Salesa (The University of Auckland), Pauline Winter (Chief Executive, Ministry for Pacific Island Affairs), and Gus Gilmore (Deputy Chief Executive Operations, Tertiary Education Commission) lead a strong two-day programme that aims to:
· promote changes in practice at tertiary organisations
· build connections across sectors and between different groups
· communicate the message that raising the achievement of Pacific learners is not just the responsibility of Pacific staff or Pacific organisations, a few tertiary education organisations, or those operating at one particular level. It is the responsibility of the entire tertiary education sector.

Discussion at the forum will draw on a wide range of voices, perspectives and approaches from across the tertiary educational system. More than 100 attendees – including teaching staff, managers, and government officials – are set to contribute to the event.

<>

© Scoop Media