MoC signing secures MIT’s partnership with ATI and the Tongan Community
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Dr Stuart Middleton and Sister Kieoma Finau sign the MoC securing the relationship between MIT and ATI.
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) has signed a Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) with Ahopanilolo Technical
Institute, Tonga (ATI) to encourage pathways for Tongan students to continue their studies at MIT’s Faculty of Consumer
Services.
This will be the first time MIT has had the opportunity to create a mutually benefitting relationship with a Tongan
institution.
The relationship aims to promote and enhance educational opportunities for Tongan communities in Counties Manukau, New
Zealand and in the Pacific nation of Tonga.
MIT’s Faculty of Consumer Services Dean, Cherie Freeman, visited Tonga earlier this year to be a panellist for a review
of the hospitality sector. It was during this time that she visited ATI.
The MoC, signed by MIT’s Director of External Relations, Dr Stuart Middleton, and Sister Kieoma Finau, will allow both
parties to explore the opportunities afforded to them through collaboration and the development of joint initiatives.
Potential initiatives may include programme articulation between MIT and ATI, sharing of teaching materials, staff
development and general advice and assistance to support advancement in culinary, hospitality and hairdressing sectors.
Cherie Freeman says, “We will look at the key skills that are needed in the Tongan community and then work with ATI to
develop suitable programmes of study”.
“Currently the programmes at MIT are tailored to New Zealand industry needs. In order to improve industry standards in
Tonga we will have to develop customised qualifications for ATI that pathway onto MIT qualifications,” she says.
Dr Stuart Middleton says, “MIT is enriched by this relationship and we are looking forward to growing and flourishing
with great mutual benefit.”
“We don’t see this as a one-way partnership and both parties stand to gain knowledge and development,” he says.
“We hope to be considered the New Zealand base for ATI and this relationship will prove to be an important partner in
our Tongan relationships.”
Sister Kieoma Finau says, “We are so grateful for the chance to have a working relationship with MIT.”
“This partnership will open the door for us to develop our programmes and give opportunities for our students to gain
higher qualifications and hopefully experience greener pastures in New Zealand,” she says.
“We did not think our little school would come this far so we are grateful to MIT for seeing promise in us and we feel
so blessed.”
ENDS