Community Initiative to Improve Ethnic Students Achievement

Mt Roskill, Auckland

10 October 2016

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Initiative to Improve Ethnic Students Achievements in Secondary Schools

The African Scholarship Trust for Education and Leadership (ASTEL) has set up a study centre at Mount Roskill, Auckland and is developing an 'iLearning hub' to provide support for African and other ethnic high school students in Auckland. The study centre at Mount Roskill is designed as a drop-in homework centre where students are able to get help with their studies by coming in to meet volunteers. However, looking ahead, it is envisaged that the iLearning hub, which will utilise an online interactive system will make it possible for students to get the required support without having to travel. This initiative is designed to improve ethnic students’ achievements in secondary schools.

Since 2010, the percentage of African high school students (in the same cohort as Latin American and Middle Eastern communities) graduating with NCEA Level 3 qualification has improved gradually from 43% in 2010 to about 57% in 2015. However, that means a significant proportion (greater than 40%) is still completing school without NCEA Level 3 qualification. As a matter of fact there is about 10% of students in this category, who finish without NCEA Level 1 qualification, according to data from the Ministry of Education. In addition, an estimated 10% of this cohort drop out of school before the age of 17.

In Auckland, African community leaders believe these unfavourable statistics could be higher and contribute to high unemployment and other negative tendencies in the community. “While, the reasons for these outcomes maybe complex in nature, the achievements of these students can certainly be improved if for instance, those from homes with non-English speaking parents, are able to receive additional support”, says Dr Charles Ampomah-Dwamena, Founder and Chairperson of the Trust. ASTEL wants to tackle the gap in students’ educational achievements by integrating the community as part of their academic environment.

To launch this initiative, a forum on "Improving Students Achievements in Secondary Schools" will be held on Saturday 15 October 2016, 5-7 pm at the Wesley Community Centre, Mount Roskill. This forum will bring together high school students, academics and university students from the African and other ethnic communities to discuss novel and improved ways to deliver learning support for students.

ASTEL is a non-profit charitable organisation with the aim to encourage and support young Africans in New Zealand to achieve high standards in education and to become effective leaders of society by working to reduce high school dropout rate and increase the proportion of high school leavers with tertiary entrance qualification. Dr Dwamena is a research scientist and an African community leader who believes early intervention is key to the success of the youth. “It makes sense to provide a trampoline today than have a safety net available tomorrow”. ASTEL wants to partner with other organisations to provide the right support structures and environment for the youth to excel.

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