Pasifika digital technologies students set for success with prestigious corporate scholarship
18/07/24
Two Pasifika students in MIT’s Bachelor of Digital Technologies (Level 7) programme have been selected for a scholarship programme with Auckland-based corporate recruitment organisation, Alpha Recruitment Group, designed to support Māori and Pasifika youth in ICT, public policy, engineering and nursing.
First year student Pita Valu and second year student Sharmian McKenzie will receive financial support, recruitment opportunities and pastoral care under Alpha Recruitment Group’s Tae Whakamua – Reach Forward programme.
As part of the scholarship, they’ll also be placed in internship roles with the company in their third year of study.
Under the Tae Whakamua – Reach Forward programme, Māori and Pasifika students are supported through financial aid, mentoring, internship opportunities and school outreach programmes, equipping them for success in such fields as ICT, public policy, engineering and nursing.
“Having MIT students join our internship programmes through the Tae Whakamua – Reach Forward initiative has been immensely valuable to our organisation,” says Alpha Recruitment Group managing partner, Chris Kourie.
“The students bring a rich blend of technical proficiency, innovative thinking, and a strong sense of community commitment.
“Their passion for learning and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our organisational values, making them an integral part of our mission to support and uplift Māori and Pasifika youth in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Once the students have completed their internships, Alpha Recruitment Group offers further recruitment support, including coaching around interview skills, CV writing and skills diversification.
They are committed to sponsoring one new MIT student each year, providing multi-year support, depending on the length of the course and the student's progress.
About the students
Sharmian McKenzie: Bachelor of Digital Technologies (BDT) – Software. Sharmian, a dedicated student in Digital Technology at the Manukau Institute of Technology, exemplifies perseverance and ambition. Excelling in her studies, she transitioned to the Bachelor's Programme after topping her class in the Diploma in IT. Balancing her academic pursuits with part-time work at a towing company demonstrates her commitment to achieving her goals despite challenges. Inspired by her uncle's success in the IT field and fuelled by her Samoan heritage, Sharmian is driven to make her mark in the industry. With a deep appreciation for her family's support and cultural roots, she is determined to honour their sacrifices by pursuing a career that aligns with her passion and values. Sharmian's gratitude for the opportunity provided by the scholarship reflects her eagerness to learn and contribute to the Pasifika community's advancement in the field of technology.
Pita Valu: Bachelor of Digital Technologies (BDT). Pita, a proud New Zealand-born Pacific Islander hailing from Tonga, discovered his passion for service and community while serving in the military. Despite the daunting prospect of leaving the Navy to pursue further education, Pita remains resolute in his quest for personal and professional growth. As he navigates his dual roles as a reservist and a student, Pita's dedication to serving others remains unwavering.