A scholarship is available for an early childhood teacher or staff member to grow their cultural skills to engage with young Pacific children and families.
The Scholarship
The scholarship will pay course fees for an early childhood teacher or staff member (qualified or unqualified) to study the NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Pasifika).
The scholarship is intended for an early childhood teacher (unqualified or qualified) or staff member who:
- currently works or volunteers in an early childhood centre with a significant proportion of Pacific children
- shows a strong, ongoing commitment to their work with young Pacific children and a career in early childhood education
- would benefit professionally and add value to their ECE centre and Pacific early learners as a result of their learning.
The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of merit, commitment to Pacific children and families and early childhood education.
The NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Pasifika)
The NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Pasifika) is a Level 5 early childhood education programme designed all qualified or unqualified teachers who want to improve their cultural competency and more effectively engage with Pacific children and families.
You will gain a deeper knowledge of Pacific values, practices and ways of knowing and being which you can put into practice in early childhood centres. The programme also offers a strong foundation in child well-being, learning and development.
For unqualified teachers, two courses will count towards the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), providing a future pathway towards teaching qualifications. If you are a qualified ECE teacher, you may be eligible for credit for prior learning.
If you are not a qualified teacher, the programme can be studied full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years. If you are a qualified teacher, you can study the programme part-time over 1 year, which makes for excellent professional learning and development.
Expectations of scholarship winners
During their study, recipients of Te Rito Maioha scholarships are expected to:
- show outstanding commitment to their study
- contribute to their ECE centres
- act as an ambassador for Te Rito Maioha.
After graduation, scholarship recipients are expected to continue to make a positive contribution to the education sector and their community.
Scholarship application process
Apply for a scholarship
Applications close 5pm, 24 June 2024
To be considered, the following must be received by the closing date:
- Completed online scholarship application form
- All supporting documents including personal statement and references.
- Completed online application to study the NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Pasifika) (see the Apply Now button on the programme webpage)
Late or partially completed applications will not be considered for a scholarship.
Eligibility
- Applicants must meet the admission criteria for the programme they wish to study.
- Applicants must have applied to study the NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Pasifika).
- Applicants must be intending to begin study in 2024.
- Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents.
- Applicants must be working or volunteering in an early childhood centres with Pacific children.
Supporting documents
Your scholarship application must be supported by the following documents:
- A personal statement, less than two pages, outlining:
- your background and future goals for your early childhood career
- your involvement with young Pacific children, their families and community
- why you want to develop your skills and knowledge of Pacific culture
- the difference that gaining this scholarship would make for you and for others.
- A reference from the centre manager or head teacher of the early learning centre where you currently work or volunteer. As well as describing your personal and professional attributes and suitability for the scholarship, the reference must also confirm the length of time you’ve worked at the centre, and how many hours you work or volunteer each week, on average.
- A reference from another person of standing in your community who knows you well. For example, former employer, senior colleague, community organisation leader etc. They cannot be a family member.
Selection process
Applicants will be considered and recommended by the Te Rito Maioha Scholarship Committee. The Chief Executive will make the final decision.
Successful applicants will be notified within four weeks of the application closing date.
Conditions
- A completed online application form and all supporting documents must be submitted by the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.
- All offers of the scholarship are conditional upon the recipient being confirmed to begin study in 2024.
- The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later semester or year.
- Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Te Rito Maioha and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
Apply for a scholarship