Since 2010, I joined the organization as a Student support advisor in helping to advise or support students in their academic work (particularly the degree and Masters students) and then also helping them with applying for financial aid from the government, or scholarships or applying for jobs with new CVs.
My role has since changed to teaching (and learning) through Indigenous research which was my goal when I first left Uni those many years ago in wanting to continue researching but now in a more genuine way through connecting with indigenous ways of thinking which is so refreshing!
Yesterday marked the 35th Anniversary since the Wananga became officially recognised as a tertiary education entity and I've come to respect the pioneers who came together and risked so much so that others would benefit from their sacrifice i.e. using their houses as collateral for the building loans whilst the government, at the time, took it's time recognising it.
Now it boasts thousands of students each year joining in and often moving onto better jobs or more opportunities, positively impacting the family financially too. It has also allowed me to grow in my thinking about the differences between research and indigenous research which is a more powerful influencer and informer...
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