Prime Minister’s Scholarships open up Latin America to Te Pūkenga students

Thursday, 16 February 2023

Wintec | Te Pūkenga has been awarded 15 Prime Minister Scholarships for Latin America to students in the Te Pūkenga network throughout Aotearoa, including some Wintec students. The 15 students are heading off to complete a four-week Summer Programme in 2024 at the University of Santo Tomas, Chile, with a Spanish and Culture programme and the option to participate in two courses: macroeconomics in Latin America or using design thinking and innovation in earth observation and data science to tackle climate change challenges in Chile's coastal wetlands.

Te Pūkenga was awarded funding from the New Zealand Government for 15 Prime Minister’s Scholarships in Latin America, to enable our learners to broaden their horizons through life-changing learning experiences in Chile.

We recently caught up with some of the scholarship winners to see how they were feeling about being awarded the opportunity.

Annika van Driel, 19

What are you studying?

I am a third-year graphic design student at Wintec.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

As the daughter of a Brazilian I have always felt the need to connect with South American culture to better develop my understanding of my family and give me the opportunity to develop my identity as a South American and as a New Zealander. Engaging in Chilean culture, language, practices, and food is a meaningful journey which will teach me about my heritage as a South American descendant, and to take ownership of the differences in how I view the world through my New Zealand upbringing.

How did winning make you feel?

When I read the email, I was so excited! After I read the “Congratulations” sentence my mind started rushing through so many emotions and possibilities I had trouble focusing enough to read the rest of the email. Connecting with South American culture in Chile is a huge opportunity for me to learn about Spanish and have some practice.

Paige Devlin, 22

What are you studying?

I study at the Otago Polytechnic doing my Bachelor of Social Services, specialising in Health and Wellbeing.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

I wanted to apply for this scholarship for my studies, work, community initiative and future practice; I need to be as culturally competent as possible. I want to better myself as a person, but also, while doing that, I will better my practice which means I will be able to build a better rapport with future clients and colleagues.

In Aotearoa, Māori are overrepresented in many health and mental health statistics. As practitioners, we need to know the history of Aotearoa and how we can be Tangata Tiriti.

Going to Chile will help me learn more about their history and what works for them, which is something I can then take back to Aotearoa and use if I have any clients who are from Chile.

How did winning make you feel?

I thought I did well in my interview, but I also doubted myself and thought I wouldn’t get it, so when I found out I did, I was very excited, and I am proud of myself. I have worked very hard to get where I am today. This is a fantastic opportunity that I will take full advantage of.

Samson Bacon, 22

What are you studying?

I am a third-year student completing a degree in Applied Management specialising in Event Management and Business Transformation & Change at Ara Institute of Canterbury.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

I first applied for the Prime Minister's Scholarship after one of my tutors at Ara directly recommended I apply for it. She told me that I would be the perfect candidate for it as I am not one to pass down opportunities and can engage effortlessly with everyone. I have always known that at some point I want to travel overseas as I perceive it would offer a unique and invaluable experience in self-awareness and my understanding of being a global citizen. I quickly saw further the benefits this scholarship could offer such as the development of my social and cultural perspective, networking opportunities within New Zealand and overseas of useful life-long contacts, and having a productive, challenging, and captivating summer. It was a fast decision while considering applying for the scholarship - to be honest, there never really was a decision! Somewhere deep down, I knew this scholarship was for me when I first saw it. I clicked, what a perfect opportunity to garner some of these experiences while under the support of a scholarship which has essentially enabled me to reach these dreams so suddenly.

How did winning make you feel?

Finding out that I had won was a surreal realisation of astonishment, gratitude, and happiness. I was sitting in my car and I just kind of started laughing. As some time passed, I felt the development of excitement as this is truly something I am very much looking forward to. However, I have also felt some feelings of pressure as once you are awarded a scholarship you have a duty to uphold a high standard of effort and act reciprocally to those who enabled you to receive it. I can imagine this would be true with any scholarship awardee but especially I am someone to hold the perception of myself through my peers' eyes to high importance.

People have since asked me if I am feeling nervous about the culture shock or living and operating in a different culture, but I have never felt that way and have answered no. I am one to tackle challenges head-on as I understand that as a result, we end up more capable and resilient people afterwards. The difficult situations, awkward conversations, feelings of incompetence, being taught the basics again, and all the tricky bits in between actually further excel my excitement about this trip so that I can really get the most out of it.

Sanjiv Perera, 38

What are you studying?

I’m studying first year of Bachelor of Product Design at Otago Polytechnic.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

I am interested in design thinking and innovation for the mitigation climate change in Chile’s wetlands and bringing that learning back to New Zealand context to tackle our oncoming challenges.

How did winning make you feel?

When I was awarded the scholarship, I was super excited and really felt like it was one of those moments of significance in one’s life. I’ve been looking for pathways to take design into environmental or public wellbeing, and this certainly is in the direction I want to head in my learning.

Sarah Bowyer, 20

What are you studying?

I am a third-year Bachelor of Technology (Applied Science) student at Wintec.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

I applied for this scholarship because I wanted to explore another part of the world while learning about things that interested me. I am an Environmental Technology student and my tutors have helped my love for forests and conservation grow. I was excited at the opportunity to use the knowledge I had learnt in Science and Design Factory to help solve climate change challenges in Chile’s wetlands.

How did winning make you feel?

I have never had the opportunity to travel overseas, so there are many new experiences I am looking forward to. This includes learning about the culture, exploring Santiago, and having opportunities for personal growth. When I found out I had a spot in the group of 15 going over to Chile, I was in shock. I was very excited. It feels good to know that after all the dreaming and hoping, I am actually going. We will be studying at Santo Tomas for four weeks in January 2023. During this time, I will also be celebrating my 21st birthday.

Christina Lamb, 21

What are you studying?

I am studying a Bachelor of Applied Management with a major in Event Management at the Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

I went to Chile in 2019 as part of the Young Enterprise Scheme and absolutely loved it! The week I spent there inspired to me take Spanish in my first year of study and ever since I have wanted to learn more about Latin America and how New Zealand can strengthen our ties with Latin American countries and especially Chile.

How did winning make you feel?

It was a really humbling and unreal feeling finding out that I had received the scholarship! But more than anything I was excited, especially to meet the other recipients and learn more about the Chilean culture and to learn more Spanish!

Chrystal Jones, 28

What are you studying?

I’m a first year Architecture student at Otago Polytechnic.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

I applied for the scholarship as I thought it would be an excellent learning experience, to learn Spanish and the Chilean culture, meet a bunch of new people, and visit the incredible pieces of architecture found in Santiago.

How did winning make you feel?

Winning this scholarship was an unreal experience, I have not won anything to this degree in my life. I genuinely didn’t think I made the cut as I didn’t hear anything for over a week, so when I got the email it was a pleasant shock and I cannot even begin to express how excited I am for the trip!

Jessica Phillips, 22

What are you studying?

Bachelor of Sports Science and Human Performance at Wintec.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

The programme sounded like an incredible opportunity to extend my knowledge in two areas that I have interests in, I haven’t spent much time actively engaged with climate change and business macroeconomics. Being able to travel, learn, explore and immerse myself fully into a culture with such a rich history sounded like a dream.

How did winning make you feel?

I feel very grateful and extremely thankful for this opportunity. I value learning and being able to engage in new experiences with different cultures so I’m very appreciative.

Lalina Dayal

What are you studying?

Master of Applied Management at the Southern Institute of Technology.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

It’s a dream of mine to visit Chile and learn their culture and language while showcasing Aotearoa culture. Macroeconomic policy is my area of interest, it corresponds with my bachelor’s qualification and secondary teaching.

How did winning make you feel?

Over the moon, it’s a once in lifetime opportunity to experience another culture, and I hope to make lifelong connections.

Troy Gregg-Schofield, 26

What are you studying?

I’m studying a degree in nursing at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill. I just finished my second year and I'll be completing my last year in 2023.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

I'm currently studying nursing with the plan to start working towards my goal of being a part of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders. When I found out about the scholarship, I thought that this was a great opportunity to expand on my language skills and build towards my goal of being a part of the humanitarian effort. I want to use this experience to expand on my cultural knowledge and experience.

How did winning make you feel?

I felt overwhelmed, this is a huge honour and incredible opportunity. I am extremely grateful for this experience; I will endeavour to make the most of it.

Kaiori McGuinniety, 27

What are you studying?

I am currently studying an Environmental Management Certificate at the Southern Institute of Technology.

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?

I have always wanted to visit South America and when I saw that there was an opportunity to study there I jumped at the opportunity. I believe this opportunity will allow myself to build on my passion and knowledge that I have been gaining during my studies. Secondly, I love the idea that this is an opportunity to experience a new culture, allowing myself to build connections globally so if the opportunity arises, I may find an opportunity to study my masters there or showcase what NZ has to offer with the new connections.

How did winning make you feel?

Unreal, but so lucky to have been given such a wonderful opportunity. I am very excited for the Wetlands study.

Jardena Bridgeman, Ezrah Togiaso, Kobe Mouatt-Sanft and Agnes Amilale were the other four students awarded this scholarship, but they could not be reached for comment.