A three-year work programme to improve educational outcomes for Pacific children and youth in New Zealand has been announced by the New Zealand government.
Photo: RNZ / Anusha Bradley
The programme places a higher priority on improving student achievement.
Priority areas in the government programme are: more quality teaching, encouraging the role of Pacific identities, language and culture, and building better connections with families and communities.
Associate Minister for Education Jenny Salesa said the move also reflected the government's commitment to ensuring education is more responsive to Pacific people given serious inequities in the education system.
She said that she sees many opportunities for young people, including undertaking training and education in the building and construction sector.
The programme also offers an opportunity for Pacific children and youth to better participate in education summits so students can make more informed decisions about their future career choices.