Pacific Bloom – a programme for everyone
Ara Institute of Canterbury – Te Pūkenga’s latest Pacific Bloom holiday programme has struck a careful balance between study and fun.
The three-day holiday programme geared towards Pacific high school students looking for help for their NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) exams and assignments took place over the holidays. But, Sam Latu, Ara’s Youth and Community Development representative and leader of Pacific Bloom, notes there was plenty of fun in the mix too.
“It’s not all just study, study, study, because it is holiday from school, so you don't want it to be entirely schoolwork,” he says.
For the first time Pacific Bloom offered participants the chance to stay overnight in Ara’s beautiful whare the Te Puna Wānaka, as well as having breakfast lunch and dinner provided. Latu wanted the programme to be more accessible for those who lived outside of Christchurch and would be travelling far. He says it worked well having some students stay over on campus and it added to the holiday feel.
“Having the students come to stay means it gives them time to fully enjoy the experience without the pressure of getting in and out of the city each day,” says Latu.
The programme provided the students with opportunities to study and help from in the morning and finished off the afternoons with the likes of cultural workshops, fun activities such as an amazing race and inspirational speakers.
“We had Mark Tui who is a professional wrestler and part owner of one of the most successful wrestling companies in New Zealand address the students which was really good,” Latu says.
“I really wanted the students to hear his story of being a kid from Auckland going against the grain to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler.”
With Pacific Bloom running successfully for 3 years now, Latu wants to keep working on its reach. He says a key message is that Pacific Bloom is open to all learners regardless to what their study path may be in the future as it’s more about forming a supportive community.
“When I was at school, we didn’t have a Polyfest or group speakers. I don’t remember anyone coming into school to chat with us about the choices we had,” Latu says.
“So, creating this support for learners this is something I care a lot about, and I want them to take these opportunities because we didn’t get them when we were their age.”
Pacific Bloom will be up and running again next year from the 18th till the 19th of April for all those who are interested.