Families have been the beacon of strength for the students. This motivation is also attributed to the fact that most students were the first generation in their families to attend university, which became a sense of pride and honour not only for their families but their communities as well.
– Chu et al., 2010, p.67
Family support is integral to Pacific learners’ academic success, providing emotional encouragement, motivation, and a sense of responsibility towards their community. Families offer constant and meaningful support through praise, encouragement, and facilitating study time, which helps learners advance to higher education levels. This support is particularly vital as many Pacific students are the first in their families to attend university and carry the collective aspirations and pride of their families and communities. Family connections extend beyond immediate kin to include extended family, community, and church groups, reinforcing a collective approach to education and success.
Additional Resources
- Through Pacific/Pasifika Lens to Understand Students Experiences to Promote Success Within New Zealand Tertiary Environment
- Retaining non‐traditional students: lessons learnt from Pasifika students in New Zealand
- Pacific university graduates in New Zealand: what helps and hinders completion
- The Pakaru ‘Pipeline’: Māori and Pasifika Pathways within the Academy
- A vaka journey in Pacific education: Become an academic mentor
