One school dramatically increased its level one, Pasifika, NCEA pass rate from 41% in 2009 to 81% in 2010 using a library based programme (47.3% was the national Boys Schools average pass rate for level one NCEA in 2010, Pasifika national average Boys Schools pass rate is not available).

Dare to Succeed Programme

The Pacific Islands Centre at the University of Otago launched the “Dare to Succeed Programme” to help young Pacific students to better understand the importance of gaining good academic skills and qualifications while at school in the hope they will better focus on their current studies and aspire to successfully undertake tertiary level study. “Some of our Pacific students are academically able, but under achieve due to poor work-habits and study skills”.

Programme process

• NCEA level Pasifika students were invited to meet monthly in the school library – 3.15 to 5pm.
• The library was important as a venue as it was seen by the students as an environment suited to their learning styles.
• Food was served during the meetings, starting with fruit and fruit juices, followed at 5pm by a pizza delivery.
• Pasifika tertiary students agreed to mentor secondary students.
• Mentor students were studying in a various disciplines – medicine, law, science, business, arts, physical education.
• Tertiary students were buddied up with their own NCEA student as well as being available to mentor the entire group.
• Tertiary students followed through with their buddies if they failed to attend the tutorial meetings or seemed to be losing engagement/ motivation.

Project leadership

• The Dare to Succeed Manager led the initiative, attending the meetings and discussing student progress with their families.
• The project is considered very successful and will be continued.

Success factors include

• Student motivation in a culturally appropriate environment.
• Culturally appropriate leadership.
• Role modelling – tertiary studies less of an unknown for students many of whose families would not have undertaken higher education at secondary or tertiary level in New Zealand.

Project Managers work with families as well as students. Families got a better understanding of what is needed to succeed in education and why.

The school library

This is a good example of how School Librarians can be involved in wider school initiatives to promote student achievement. School Librarians can also encourage tertiary buddies to introduce students to tertiary libraries and support networks.

The Dare to Succeed programme website contains more information.

Glynis