Talanoa Ako is a Pacific Island Advisory Charitable Trust-led initiative (PIACT) which arms Pasifika parents with the knowledge and skills to navigate the New Zealand school system.
The course is a free five-week programme where fanau (families) attend sessions on the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), study tips and how to help their children.
Kew Pacific Island Learning Centre manager and teacher Rebecca Fa’alologo-Robertson has co-ordinated the Invercargill programme since its inception in 2019. She touted the positive merits of the course on the Pasifika communities.
"It’s a programme run by Pacific for the Pacific — we’ve created a culturally safe space for parents and families to come and share what their challenges are but [also] celebrate their successes," Mrs Fa’alologo-Robertson said.
Fernworth Primary School teacher Destiny Schmidt had a full-circle moment when she returned to become a mentor on the programme last year, after having attended the first programme as a year 12 student.
Getting her teacher’s registration last year and becoming one of the programme’s mentors changed the trajectory of her life.
"I honestly don't think I would’ve become a teacher if I hadn’t have gone through the programme ... I didn’t just find my profession, but I found out my identity," Ms Schmidt said.
The 23-year-old teacher of Samoan, Māori and Pākehā descent appreciated the programme’s cultural practices, which inspired her to become comfortable in who she was.
It had a positive impact on her learning, and influenced her parents to become proactive in their children’s educational pursuits.
One of the many positive outcomes of the Talanoa Ako programme was having one of its own go on to become a teacher and then bring their own students and their parents "along for the journey", Mrs Fa’alologo-Robertson said.
"Even if we could make a difference to just one Pasifika family, it’s about positive outcomes and Pasifika students’ success in whatever that might look like."
