New scholarship helps Māori and Pacific students navigate life at UC
A sense of belonging, resilience and self-reliance are some of the benefits gained by a group of Māori and Pacific students through an inaugural live-in scholarship programme at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC).
Takere is focused on first-year Māori and Pacific students enrolled at UC in 2021. The programme provides a support crew of Tuākana (student mentors) and staff to help them develop the skills needed to navigate university life.
Thirty-seven students have been staying at Ilam Apartments accommodation for the four-week programme.
UC Tumu Tuarua Akoranga | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Catherine Moran says Takere is part of UC’s commitment to addressing the inequities that face Māori and Pacific students.
“UC has launched Takere as a pilot programme designed to improve equity of access and success for our students.
“We’re already seeing how it creates a sense of community, builds on their cultural and community connections, and provides them with opportunities to connect with Māori and Pacific academics and support staff on campus.”