Congratulations to Tyler Fleming, who completed the Global Competence Certificate programme.  Tyler was presented with his certificate at a function attended by Palmerston North City Council Mayor Grant Smith, the Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Mr Ta Van Thong, Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere and virtually by Education New Zealand's Grant McPherson.

Tyler wrote the following report outlining his experience: "Near the end stages of last year, Mr. Retemeyer visited our year 10 classes to talk with us about the New Zealand Global Competence course that was taking place. This course would teach us how to be globally aware and would include a weekly Zoom call with students from Vietnam. I, (Tyler Fleming) was intrigued by this course and asked Mr. Retemeyer to learn more. Within the week I was signed up to a site that included courses on how to be more globally aware. These courses were great because they let you practice what you've learnt, and the things you learn are interesting as well. The Zoom calls with the Vietnamese students were a great insight into how different parts of the world operate and have coped with the situation that is the Coronavirus. Overall, this course was an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend this for year 10's if it comes up again."

The AFS NZ Global Competence Certificate is offered through Massey University.  Click here for further information.  Any students who might be interested in completing this are encouraged to speak with Mr. Retemeyer.

The story below was published in the Manawatū Guardian newspaper:

"This online programme connects students from around the world to develop life-long skills, while borders are closed.

The Global Competence Certificate has been developed by AFS and facilitated by Massey University.

It has brought together students who, due to Covid-19, are unable to take part in offshore exchanges, and connected them virtually to students from around the world.

Education New Zealand chief executive Grant McPherson congratulated all the students who took part in the programme.

"It is a great way for students to continue to grow as global citizens by helping them gain the knowledge, skills and capabilities they need to live, work and learn globally when it is safe to do so."

McPherson said it was a positive way to continue to build strong global connections at both a student and organisational level during the lockdown.

Massey University director of centre for professional and continue education Andrea Flavel said it was a privilege for the university to be involved in the Global Competence Certificate pilot programme.

"Massey University's significant experience teaching online and flexibly utilising the excellent programme content from AFS has been a great success.

"The Massey team have been delighted to be a part of helping young New Zealanders develop global skills while borders are closed, and travel is limited."

The programme was in partnership with Education New Zealand, CEDA and PNCC.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Palmerston North City Council Mayor Grant Smith, the Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Mr Ta Van Thong, Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere and virtually by ENZ's Grant McPherson.

Smith said the programme provided positive dialogue and digital connections for local students, while at the same time creating relationships that supported the flow of ideas that encouraged them to think and act globally.

"Palmerston North is a hub of international activity and plays a role in helping to grow international education in our region.

"We also value our international city relationships and embrace this renewed relationship with Ho Chi Minh City."

Along with the benefits to this initial group of students, Palmerston North City and Ho Chi Minh City department of education and training have also forged a strategic partnership.

A Memorandum of Arrangement between the two cities focusing on education exchanges is being drawn up.

CEDA talent and skills manager Sara Towers said although international students cannot come to New Zealand, the programme was an innovative way to keep connected with counterparts overseas which showcased the study opportunities Manawatū has to offer.

"It is also encouraging to see the region's future leaders getting an opportunity to grow their global competencies, which will ultimately have a hugely positive impact on the social consciousness of students here and abroad."