PHOEBE ROBERTSON (SHE/HER)
On Friday, 19 July, marking World Refugee Day, the University launched Enhancing Refugee-background Learner Journeys in Tertiary Education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Led by Professor Sara Kindon and Sarah Willette, the report involved collaboration with over 25 colleagues and learners from Te Herenga Waka and across Aotearoa.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Dr Logan Bannister, speaking on the report, described its research methodology as “a perfect example of the University’s values in action—within this research we have engaged with our community and sector to create transformative change for refugee-background learners.”
The report informed the development of best-practice guidelines specific to tertiary refugee students, published by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) in 2023. It highlights the diversity of refugee-background learners and the crucial role of higher education in refugee resettlement, outlining how education positively impacts individual learners, their families, communities, and society.
Te Herenga Waka was the first university to research this learner group, allowing students to self-identify as coming from a refugee background at enrolment, establishing the national network, and appointing a dedicated, part-time refugee-background advisor.
Refugee-background Advisor Abdul Haidari says:
“Our refugee-background learners have benefitted from Professor Kindon’s advocacy, and the research and guidelines provide myself and other support staff across the University to track our progress and increase our collective impact. Everyone has a part to play in refugee-background learners’ educational success.”