Money Confidence for Pasifika wins at Diversity Awards
A course building money confidence with Auckland’s Pasifika workforce was the winner at last night’s Diversity Awards Impact Category.
The Diversity Awards recognise initiatives that promote equity, diversity and inclusion in workplaces around Aotearoa – and Project Ikuna’s Money Confidence does just that. Delivered by the team at Upskills in partnership with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Money Confidence is a small course that delivers a life changing hit to participants. It’s financial literacy with Pacific values woven through the learning, so it’s relevant and meaningful for participants.
For Delegat employee and participant Ngāupoko Tapoki the learning takeaway was around saving. “Thank you to your team – I used to take a loan out every time I go back home. This was the first time I went back home without getting a loan, I actually saved up for it and planned ahead. I now have dreams and goals and know how to save.”
In accepting the award, Programme Manager at Upskills Tafā Iakopo acknowledged the employers and learners who have been so open to the learning experience. “It is a real privilege to work alongside employers and their staff in such a meaningful way because equipping people with Money Confidence has a lasting impact.”
“We hear so many great stories out of this work and it’s rewarding knowing the impact the learning is having for aiga and workplaces,” says Tafā.
Check out this video below of the award-winning programme that was released at the Diversity Awards last night.
Project Ikuna Manager Matt Padernal at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited explains why this mahi is so important: “It is vital that we upskill our Pacific workers, enabling them to adapt to the changing nature of work and create a better employee experience. Our courses are designed to support our Pacifica people to move into higher-level jobs with their existing employers or be better placed to pursue further training or other employment if their current jobs end due to the changing nature of work. Not to mention, give them skills and learnings to apply at home with their Aiga.”