Earn As You Learn Programme: Supporting Our People, Improving Outcomes for Our Communities

When families move to New Zealand seeking better opportunities, getting professional qualifications recognised can be challenging. At The Fono, our staff development programmes are changing lives while improving healthcare for diverse communities. 

Jacinta Seiuli's story shows how this works. The mother of three arrived from Samoa 18 years ago with nursing qualifications, but after 15 years as a stay-at-home mum, she needed to update her skills to meet New Zealand standards. She joined us as a healthcare assistant, which opened the door to our "Earn as You Learn" programme. 

This programme tackles a major barrier - how to afford study while supporting families. Staff can study for qualifications while keeping their jobs and income. 

"Studying while earning meant I could still support my family without student loans," Jacinta says. The 18-month Diploma in Enrolled Nursing was demanding, but our support made the difference. Her coordinator worked around her study needs, giving her flexibility to balance family, work, and education. 

The programme's cultural fit mattered too. During placements in elderly care, Jacinta remembered caring for her grandparents in Samoa - reminding her why she wanted to serve her community through nursing. 

Jacinta now plans to study for registered nursing through the same programme, showing how these pathways lead to ongoing career growth. 

Jacinta's journey is part of a wider story of professional growth at The Fono. Recently we celebrated nine Whānau Support team graduates: Joseph Tagaloa, Easter Ioelu, Fred Lam Kam, Shannon Pachnatz, Sione Fakahou, Monique Cruz, Tuli Tomai, Lesieli Lapuaho and Agnes Liufau, who completed social work and social practice degrees. 

These achievements show how supporting staff education benefits everyone - employees grow professionally while we build a skilled, culturally connected team that better serves our communities.