Students educate the community about child poverty

Students educate the community about child poverty

Asinate Moa and Tina Pehima are two of Unitec's Graphic Design and Animation students who graduated in September this year. Their community project, Tahi Kai, is an initiative which deals with the battles of child poverty in New Zealand. As child poverty is one of the biggest social problems in the country, the two women decided that the project would help educate the community to support the cause.

Asinate and Tina are of Maori/Tongan and Samoan decent and have developed and maintained networks throughout the project with the Avondale community, which remains one of Unitec's focus communities. Their network with Gail Fotheringham, who works for the Auckland City Council as a Community Development and Partnership Advisor, has proved beneficial to the two students, as they have been recommended to people interested in their project.

They have also been approached by companies to discuss future opportunities and the practical experience they have gained throughout the project. Tahi Kai focuses on using strong visuals to bring about positive aspects rather than the negatives associated with child poverty, and to increase the awareness of the issue through the use of social media.

The project shows the use of innovative and creative ideas in initiating a new concept in which the two students could use positive tools to engage the community in supporting their cause to raise awareness about the social problem of child poverty in New Zealand.

Unitec's department of Graphic Design and Animation has contributed valuable skills and knowledge to Asinate and Tina in producing something fresh and unique with their project. The celebration of young talent in the world of Graphic Design and Animation could encourage a greater influx of individuals interested in making a difference and contributing to this increasingly popular industry.

This November, Unitec unfolds the next wave of graduate talent. You're invited to come and get a new perspective as we celebrate the creative minds of the future. Gradfest 2012 brings together the very best work by our Creative Industries and Business graduates. Be inspired by fresh talent, see new ideas in action and watch where the industry is heading.

To see more of what Unitec's graduate students have to offer, don't forget to come along to the Gradfest opening night on 29 November and celebrate their achievements. For more information and the full programme of events go to http://www.unitec.ac.nz/gradfest.

ENDS

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