Success for Pacific professionals upskilling through micro-credentials

Micro-credentials have become an increasingly popular way to formally recognise a person's knowledge of a set of skills, or their experience.

Tara Apa, a community health navigator for the F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust, was part of the first cohort to undertake the Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland health science micro-credential course, 'Improving well-being outcomes for Pacific families'.

“It's validating to see how my dedication and hard work has boosted my confidence and sense of accomplishment,” Tara said.

The University is holding a ceremony at the Fale Maama, at the Pacific Medical Association on 17 July, acknowledging the students. For many of them, completing the one-semester course was their first university experience.

Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Associate Dean Pacific, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS), said the stand-alone course was part of a key initiative to upskill the sectors that support Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The course aims to boost the skills of the many highly experienced Pacific professionals in the health and social sector, while improving the overall quality of life for Pacific communities. 

He said the University recognises enticing Pacific people into tertiary study means meeting the community ‘where they are’ and it was a step in the right direction to see the first intake of students successfully complete and pass the course. 

“We’re aiming to make a giant leap for the Pacific community, inviting them to come back into tertiary education, and work toward a university qualification,” he said. 

Improving Wellbeing Outcomes for Pacific Families navigates the Pacific Whānau Ora model in the health and the social service sector.

Sir Collin said the intention was to complement existing postgraduate offerings in Pacific Health or other related fields at the University for students wishing to continue their tertiary journey.

A new strategic partnership between the Pacific Medical Association Group and  FMHS has included the development of the Knowledge Hub, an entity to enable Pacific People to live longer, better lives in New Zealand and the region.

A key aim of the Knowledge Hub is “to contribute to health workforce best practice for practitioners in health and social outcomes, policy development, and health communication.” 

A proud Sāmoan fa’afafine, Apa says they enrolled in the course to acquire the skill set required to provide Whānau Ora navigational services, and the university experience had been transformative.

“It has benefited not only myself, but also the organisation I represent and the community I serve. Additionally, this programme will facilitate the continuation of my studies.

"Connecting with like-minded individuals and sharing experiences as a community navigator was particularly constructive and enriching.”

Completing the course had also set the bar higher for Apa; now having a more comprehensive understanding about the qualifications and skills required to enhance career prospects.

“Professionally, this achievement can open doors to new opportunities for me.”

While Apa experienced many of the challenges university students commonly face: completing assignments on time, juggling work, family and community commitments,  there were many highlights, such as coming onto campus and networking with fellow students. 

“I was able to engage and connect, and have discussions on previous lectures and assignments. I enjoyed the way discussions were delivered,” referring to the talanoa sessions.

Apa also praised the lecturers for the ongoing encouragement and motivation. 

“They always had time for the students, and for encouraging everyone in the course to pass.”