Unitec is supporting an initiative to encourage more rangatahi into careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), by hosting this year’s WeSTEM conference.
Close to a hundred intermediate school learners, teachers and representatives from various community organisations gathered at the Red Lecture Theatre in Te Puna on Thursday to watch the presentation of the seven projects that received funding from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
These inquiry-based projects involved rangatahi (young people) from Kelston Intermediate, Waitakere College, Matipo School, Lincoln Heights School, Rangeview Intermediate, Glen Eden Intermediate and Manurewa Intermediate.
The WeSTEM initiative coordinated by Te Hononga Akoranga COMET supports Pacific rangatahi from across Tāmaki Makaurau by providing new opportunities through hands-on activities and collaborative research.
Te Hononga Akoranga COMET address the areas of greatest educational needs and identify significant hurdles and work with the education sector and others to change the system to create more equitable learning pathways for all.
“The event brought together students from seven local schools who shared their impressive research and findings,” says Unitec Pathways College, Secondary School and Community Senior Liaison, Blair Sorensen.
“This initiative aims to inspire curiosity and encourage inquiry-based learning. For many of the students, this was their first time visiting a tertiary campus and experiencing a vibrant learning environment outside the classroom.”
Sorensen says the event represents an important step in fostering early interest in STEAM pathways.
“It’s important to look after our Rangatahi from both an advanced career decision-making perspective through to early stages of subject exploration and investigation,” he explains.
“Supporting and partnering with our local organisations, community groups and youth development services is something we can develop further as capacity allows. Unitec holds a special place in our local community.”
Having the event at Unitec allowed rangatahi to present their projects in a formal setting and explore our learning spaces at the same time, creating a sense of belonging and pathway for their future education.
“The positive response from visiting schools also points to future collaboration,” Sorensen adds.
“The COMET WeSTEM programme has provided Unitec with a genuine opportunity for engagement. We’ve had schools approach us at the event about coming back to Unitec later in the year to showcase the opportunities and campus environment to their Rangatahi.”
Events like WeSTEM continue to highlight the value of meaningful partnerships between Unitec and the wider Auckland education and youth development eco-system.
Te Hononga Akoranga COMET CEO, Katheren Leitner adds: “Hosting WeSTEM at Unitec was important to COMET, for many students this was the first time entering the campus, it is our hope that now that they have seen and experienced the buzz of the place they will be inspired to return and continue to learn. Thank you, Blair (Sorenson) for seeing their potential and making this possible.”
Unitec looks forward to continuing this kaupapa and supporting a generation of curious, creative, and confident young thinkers.
Great initiative. Well done Blair and the UPC team.