(Picture caption: Applications for the Toloa Contestable Fund are being accepted until September 16. Apply HERE.)
The Toloa Contestable Fund represents endless opportunities for Pacific peoples in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) says Toloa Scholarship and Funding Manager Sio Kihe La’a Talakai-‘Alatini.
Last year, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples piloted two funds, the Toloa Substantial Provider Fund and Toloa Capability Fund, to support Pacific providers to deliver Pacific-centric STEAM programmes and activate meaningful engagements.
This year, while the two funds have been merged into one – the Toloa Contestable Fund, the desired outcomes of the fund are the same.
“We are aware of some amazing initiatives out there, which advocate for STEAM – this funding is aimed at support those providers delivering innovative programmes focused on advancing Pacific peoples in STEAM-areas,” Sio Kihe La’a says.
When assessing applications for the fund, the Toloa team are keeping in mind what they envisage providers achieving.
“We are looking for providers who can deliver initiatives which enable Pacific peoples to understand the relevance of STEAM and use STEAM to make informed decisions, and projects which increase Pacific people’s participation and interest in STEAM.
“We want to support providers, organisations, and community groups to deliver local, regional, and national transformational initiatives that activate meaningful engagement for Pacific communities within STEAM pathways across education, employment, and business opportunities.”
To apply for funding, providers must meet the eligibility criteria, which includes their projects demonstrating alignment with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Lalanga Fou goal 2 – to have Prosperous Pacific Communities across Aotearoa.
Cultural competency and appropriate cultural consideration for Pacific learners must be demonstrated, and proposed projects or activities must take place either in one or more New Zealand suburbs or regions. (Visit HERE for more information on eligibility.)
Sio Kihe La’a says the Ministry for Pacific Peoples will partner with providers and organisations to ensure increased Pacific Participation into STEAM pathways is achieved, over a whole of life approach from ECE, primary, intermediate, secondary, tertiary through to the workforce and into business opportunities.
“Now in its seventh year, Toloa is achieving its goal of helping Pacific Aotearoa thrive in STEAM, and its mission to expand Pacific opportunities and open potential by re-indigenising the environment to create transformational, sustainable, and accessible STEAM pathways.”
Visit the MPP website for more information on the Toloa Contestable Fund, and to apply.