We provide support services for our Pasifika students during their study to help them feel accepted, supported and connected.
SIT has a valued relationship with the Pacific Island Advisory and Cultural Trust (PIACT). A society for people of Pacific Island descent, their purpose is to be an integrated Pacific community on equal footing with mainstream New Zealand, while retaining their cultural integrity. They have made it their mission to promote the wellbeing, education and cultural development of people of Pacific Island ancestry now residing in Southland and to provide an official channel to represent such people in matters concerning their welfare.
We have Pasifika Student Liaisons to assist our Pasifika students with course advice, study issues, cultural event organisation and connecting them with local cultural communities.
The Pacific Island Advisory Cultural Trust has worked with Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) to develop a SIT Pasifika Education Strategy to improve participation and educational outcomes for Pasifika at SIT.
This strategy intends to provide for and encourage student participation and achievement in a range of quality learning opportunities and services:
Once a high school drop-out and mother at 17, Courtenay Hurt-Suwan now owns her own business and is considering pursuing a PhD in 2021.