Charlotte Kareroa (Left), Keni Moeroa (Centre), Sellina Sa'u (Right)Pacific Trust Otago had 2 of its staff participate in a 15-week Micro-credential Course on Improving Wellbeing Outcomes for Pacific Families. Sellina Sa’u who works as one of the Whanau Ora Navigators and Charlotte Kareroa who is the Community Capability Worker, were both enrolled into this program upon request of Pasifika Futures Limited, who are also funders of our Whanau Ora Service. This micro-credential is the only university course navigating the Pacific Whānau Ora model in Aotearoa New Zealand healthcare, in partnership with Pasifika Medical Association’s PMA Knowledge Hub.
The main component of the course is understanding the implementation of the Whanau Ora Model to ensure better wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families.
Sellina Sa’u has worked as a Whanau Ora Navigator for 5 years and was excited to be part of the first cohort to undertake this course.
“This certificate will enable me to work more effectively towards Pasifika whanau, aiga, or kopu tangata to ensure they are provided with the best care in health, social, economic, culture, and wellbeing. It also opens opportunities for me to continue learning, and may consider furthering my education, to pursue post graduate studies and pursue a master's degree,” she said.
The Whanau Ora service is one of Pacific Trust Otago’s longest and popular service serving the Pacific community in Dunedin, whether it be financially, providing a safe space for families to talanoa about their struggles and how the service can assist them, or by providing food packages weekly for those in need. This service is spearheaded by Keni Moeroa who is the Social & Cultural Services Director.
Sellina also added the importance of this course for her work, “I really enjoyed learning about the history of Whanau Ora and the success of the program over a 10-year period. My understanding was also enhanced regarding the Talanoa approach. I have a better understanding of Talanoa and why it is important to utilize it when working with Pasifika families to build rapport, and to enhance my role as a Navigator by being able to support our families through challenges that they face, to the best of my ability.”
