Pacific young people of the lower North Island will be more supported while finding employment, or completing further training or study with the new partnership between Horowhenua Learning Centre Trust (HLC) and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) to deliver the Tupu Aotearoa programme.
This collaborative partnership was launched on September 5 at Levin, showcasing the Tupu Aotearoa programme to the local community.
Tupu Aotearoa has a strong emphasis on working closely with Pacific young people, their families and communities to help develop skills they need to find sustainable employment.
The Trust joins the family of providers who are now delivering Tupu Aotearoa, and offering the programme in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
It is part of the expansion of Tupu Aotearoa to the regions which is also been delivered in greater Waikato and Bay of Plenty, made possible with the support of the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund.
This expansion means more presence in the regions to ensure young Pacific people get the support they need and access to the right tools, education, training and employment opportunities to really succeed and thrive.
Among those present at the launch included MPP Chief Advisor Regional Partnerships Abba Fidow, who during the launch shared how Tupu Aotearoa offers young people employment and learning opportunities to develop a sustainable career path.
“It can answer the prayers for our families to help our Pacific young people to succeed - for Pacific aged 15-39 years so those who are bit older still have the chance to start again and develop their careers,” Abba says.
Supporting Pacific young people to flourish is one of the Ministry’s priorities and one of the Lalanga Fou goals.
Horowhenua Learning Centre Trust Chief Executive Patrick Rennell and Employment Programmes Manager Jo Robinson hosted the event which attracted the Pacific community based in Levin and the wider Horowhenua.