What started as an initiative to address Pasifika students’ attendance and engagement challenges during the pandemic has continued running for four years. Moana Tautua is a partnership between the Anglican Trust for Women and Children (ATWC) and Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Service (TYMS). It provides personalised mentoring tailored to each learner and their needs.
‘Originally, the programme was designed to help Pasifika students struggling with the effects of lockdowns and homeschooling,’ says Idris Balizi, TYMS Project Manager for the partnership. However, he says Moana Tautua was so successful in responding to the evolving needs of youth that the programme has continued.
‘Independent evaluations have highlighted the significant improvements in student attendance and engagement and stronger connections with school and social support systems,’ Idris advises.
Moana Tautua supported young people Auckland-wide. Last year, out West, the youth mentors worked with students at Avondale College and Henderson High School. A total of 62 West Auckland students benefitted from one-on-one support, group mentoring and school holiday programmes. The initiative also worked with students’ families, linking them to relevant support services to improve school attendance and reengage young Pasifika in education.
One thing for sure is the positive impact the programme has had. Idris says that in 2024, attendance among participants improved from 57% at the start of the year to 78% by September. What’s more, 77% of students now have a clear plan for achieving their goals, compared to only 38% before starting the programme.
‘My mentor has encouraged and supported me in school, with my grades and attendance,’ said one enthusiastic participant. She added, ‘This is a place where I feel comfortable to address any problems or struggles within school.’
Securing sustainable funding for this vital project was an ongoing challenge. Funding of $20,000 from the 2024 Your West Support Fund helped deliver crucial mentoring support to more young Westies.
‘The programme’s foundation in Pacific values has nurtured a strong sense of belonging and cultural pride and empowered students to thrive,’ declares Idris. And that’s good news for West Auckland as a whole.
Check out the TYMS and ATWC websites for more information about the fantastic work of these charities.
