Pasifika education policy, research and voices: students on the road to tertiary success

Abstract

The literature indicates educational systems need to be responsive to the multiple worlds of minority students. Increasingly policies and strategies in New Zealand have been adopted to promote the development of Pasifika learners and in the tertiary setting, improvements have occurred, although more is needed. In the reported qualitative interview study, the voices of 36 Samoan high school students from 6 schools were analysed to identify factors considered important for academic success. Thematic analysis identified the passion to achieve, capacity to deal with inconsistencies, and the importance of a holistic orientation each resting upon a strong family orientation as being important. Recommendations arising from the study are outlined.