TALOFA LAVA, MALO E LELEI, KIA ORANA, TALOHA NI, FAKALOFA LAHI ATU, NI SA BULA VINAKA, KIA ORA, WELCOME.
Voyages is an online magazine dedicated to improving Pacific peoples’ health. It is published by the Ministry of Health. We welcome your feedback and contributions.
Here are a range of Pacific learners benefiting from mentoring and academic support offered by the University of Auckland.
Pacific health students at University of Auckland.
“This is the reason I’m at med school. It’s giving an opportunity for Pacific people to study here. I wouldn’t be here without it and the support it offers. The tutors make sure we know where we are heading and what we’re doing. There is also help through tutorials and the third year med students come and talk to us and give us tips and advice. Everyone has a common goal.
“Culture is a big thing in learning. Being able to put information out there in a way that people can understand and relate to is vital. Having cultural support makes you feel more relaxed about being at university. I want to be a doctor and work with Pacific people because there’s a huge need there. I want what I do to make difference for Pacific people.”
Chris Seu, second year medicine student
“I want to be a community or hospital pharmacist. Mentoring helps in heaps of ways. Even with the family stuff, which for Pacific people is really important. For example, I had to go to a wedding and do a traditional dance and these guys were really supportive. They helped me sort out my lab commitments and made it possible that I could go. They were culturally aware of my family responsibilities. They also make it easier for you to approach your tutors. That’s important because things like chemistry aren’t easy and you always have lots of questions.”
Lupe Tukia, Bachelor of Pharmacy student
“I just left school late last year so it has been a major step up. This is like a family. It makes it easier to study knowing the support is there. The hardest thing is getting on top of all he assignments. It’s a huge step up from school. Just learning the time management skills to handle continuous study is important. If you get stressed out, it’s great to have a place like this to come, where everyone is supportive. You can relate to them and you realise you are not alone.”
Annie Nicholas, Certificate in Health Sciences
“Mentoring is a great idea and it has really helped me because I finished school three years ago and I need the foundation knowledge to go further. I want to become a doctor and a pediatrician and this is helping me.
“I’m from South Auckland and a lot of people there tend to think that this sort of goal is not possible, but having this system in place makes it possible. In my family, even to have someone who is studying to be a doctor and working towards that, it encourages others to do what they want in life.”
Andy Pivitan, Certificate in Health Sciences
“I was a nurse in the Cook Islands before I came here. I’ve been working for 8 years and I decided to do something more challenging and do medicine. This gives me the support I need. It’s good to know that your culture has been recognised, that you as a person are recognised. I’m so glad I found this programme and didn’t go straight into first year med. It’s giving me the foundation knowledge I need. The programme works.”
Arikirangi Matapo, Certificate in Health Sciences
“It provides a lot of pastoral support. It’s hard balancing family life and study, especially if you are a mature student. I’ve got two small children at home and studying is a huge commitment and responsibility. Even in the five weeks I’ve been here, the study has been intense, but it’s been awesome. We’ve learned so much. The academic support is great. We’ve got great tutors and everyone is genuinely willing to support you and get you where you need to go.”
Shalom Okesene, Certificate in Health Sciences
“This is the first semester I’ve been involved and I’ve already had two tutorials that have been a great help and pushed me along in the right direction. We’re also forming a study group at the moment.
“A lot of us have similar cultural issues and are involved in church and other community activities. The people here help you to plan your time around those kind of responsibilities and use your time well.
“When I finished my nursing studies I want to get into midwifery. That’s the career plan I have in mind. I’d also like to get our church activities to focus more on health issues and my knowledge and links should be helpful.”
