After six years of being a stay-at-home mum, Theresa Taimalie-Pouvi (pictured) was ready to start a new chapter.
Joining the Tupu Aotearoa programme, through Christchurch provider Literacy Aotearoa gave her the perfect opportunity to embark on a new direction.
Photography has always been a passion for Theresa but finding fulltime employment along with the flexibility to continue supporting her family seemed slim, but together with the Tupu Aotearoa team at Literacy Aotearoa, Theresa decided to create a photography business.
Literacy Aotearoa Tupu Aotearoa navigator Aisi Tanielu-Loua says with the support of the team, Theresa has been given the tools and know-how to set off on her new journey.
“She is now studying towards a Certificate in Small Business and Project Management at Te Wananga o Aotearoa,” Aisi says.
“Tupu Aotearoa supported Theresa with upgrading her laptop, as this was a requirement for the course and for photography programmes, and she continues to come to meet with a tutor one morning a week before class.
“We will continue to work alongside Theresa to fulfil her full potential, but in the meantime, Theresa has managed to pick up some photography work which allows her experience within the industry.”
The team believe in Theresa and that her success will not be limited to completing her business management course, but in eventually owning and managing her own photography business, Aisi says.
Literacy Aotearoa provides foundation education services nationwide and is a leading commentator on literacy issues in Aotearoa.
The organisation first delivered the Tupu Aotearoa programme in Christchurch in April 2022, and has hit the ground running.
Aisi has moved quickly to build relationships with Pacific communities, resulting in fruitful networks and recruitment of clients.
The Christchurch team (pictured below) are motivated about making a positive impact on the local Pacific community, through delivering the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ initiative which aims to see more Pacific people employed, in training or studying and upskilling them for the future.
Te Tumuaki (Chief Executive Officer) Bronwyn Yates says she and her team are privileged to contribute to the growth of Pacific peoples and communities in Christchurch, making critical differences to their lives.
Visit the MPP website for more information on Tupu Aotearoa, and HERE for information on Literacy Aotearoa.