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Wellington, February 24, 2021
Twelve students from low-decile Wellington secondary schools are on the road to realising their potential at Victoria University of Wellington.
They are among the recipients of the 2021 Nga Hoe a Kupe Pathfinder Scholarships.
The scholarships, backed by the University and its donations arm, the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, are unique, awarded to youngsters who have demonstrated resilience, rather than being based solely on academic ability.
Extensive support
“We are delighted to welcome these 12 extraordinary young people into the Victoria University of Wellington community. These scholarships and the wrap-around support that we provide will enable them to pursue their passion and excel in their chosen area, thereby helping to open the future for them. We believe in the power of a high-quality tertiary education and are dedicated to the success of each of these scholarship recipients,” Vice-Provost (Research) Professor Margaret Hyland said.
Each recipient will receive $50,000 over three years to pursue their studies, including their first year in managed hall accommodation.
Most of the students are of Maori, Pasifika or refugee background.
The Recipients
The recipients of the 2021 scholarships are: Asma Alboghobeish and Miracle Suailua (Porirua College), Aleena Heitia and Shaniyah Munroe (Mana College), Maria’e Ulutui (Bishop Viard College), Ivy Beck and Nicole Odeyemi (Wainuiomata High School), Shekyna Lolouta and Maepa Saolotoga (Naenae College), Daniella Gibson (Aotea College) and Kayla Faitele (Taita College).
Dianna Revell (Taita College) receives $40,000 from the James McIntosh Scholarship, courtesy of the Perpetual Guardian Foundation.
The 12 young women are enrolled in a range of faculties across the University and aim to study everything from Software Engineering to Law, Finance and Population Health, Policy, and Service Delivery.
As well as financial support, the students will have one-on-one academic mentoring, be supported by a student adviser from a similar background and be a part of Service and Leadership Development Programme Wellington Plus.
About Wellington Plus
Wellington Plus connects students with other students, employers, and people in the not-for-profit sector across Wellington, and encourages the development of leadership, social responsibility, and employability skills.
It includes guest workshops and seminars, and students work towards the Wellington Plus Award, which goes on their academic transcript.
Although funding is secure for the values of three years of Scholarships, the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation is keen to ensure that they are secure for the next decade, to help more than 100 students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education at Victoria University.
Donors may please contact development-office@vuw.ac.nz
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