According to Aupito William Sio, Minister for Pacific Peoples, more young Pasifika will be able to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics thanks to the 2023 Toloa Fund.
The Toloa initiative has given young Pacific people funding possibilities for the past seven years so they can excel in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and the Arts). It has grown to be one of the most inclusive and diversified programmes offered by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
“In July 2021, I was presented with a roadmap, highlighting the key gaps to grow Pacific peoples into STEAM employment from 2.8 percent to eight percent by 2028, ” Aupito William Sio said.
“Toloa’s vision is for Pacific people to be engaged and excelling in STEAM education. I want them participating in and leading STEAM activities. I want to see our Pasifika young people employed in the STEAM sector; and working at the forefront of STEAM innovation . This fund is helping us to achieve that momentum.”
Applications for the 2023 Toloa Tertiary and Secondary Scholarship Funds will be accepted starting today.
“Last year, 50 tertiary students received scholarships up to $10,000 to cover study costs for their STEAM-related courses, and an additional 238 secondary school students received $2,000 to cover school costs in the inaugural year of the Toloa Secondary School Scholarship Fund.
“This fund has grown from strength to strength in recent years and we are now seeing the results of our past scholars’ hard work– with Pacific veterinarians, engineers, aerospace scientists and biologists making their presence felt in the workforce.
“We are looking to continue this momentum into next year, offering similar numbers of scholarships. This is a golden opportunity for Pacific Aotearoa,” Aupito William Sio said.