Focused Discussions
Do I Really Belong Here?: Pacific Island Boys' Sense of Belonging Experiences in Secondary School
Focused Discussion Fuapepe Rimoni
The benefits of achieving and gaining secondary school qualifications are numerous, including stronger foundations for life-long learning, easier access to tertiary education, and access to a wider range of opportunities in the job market. However, in New Zealand, there is little evidence available that informs both educators and educational institutes of whether a sense of belonging has a part to play in being identified as an academic achiever in secondary school. In this paper, I introduce a case study, which has been identified through "talanoa" (conversations) with young Samoan male students in secondary school, of their perceptions on "sense of belonging" and achieving at school. A case study approach is often used to build up a rich picture of an entity, using different kinds of data collection and gathering the views, perceptions, experiences, and/or ideas of diverse individuals relating to the case. I discuss some of the initial factors that have been identified by the young male students, asking if New Zealand secondary schools are catering to Pacific male students both spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Underpinned by the use of a Pacific conceptual framework called Fa’afaletui, the Samoan male students share their stories from the perspectives of being identified as a "tama Samoa" (Samoan boy), a tama Samoa son, a tama Samoa friend, and a tama Samoa as a student in the secondary school.
The 21st Century Transcultural Citizen: Finding Identity Within
Focused Discussion Ann Ritter
The global nature of 21st century business and cultural exchange will continue to produce increasing numbers of trans-cultural professionals—those living, of necessity between cultures because of career or personal responsibilities that take them physically or virtually all over the world. In such an global environment, learning how to thrive transculturally is vital. Openness to new experiences is just one element of relocating successfully to a new culture for employment or study opportunities. Ability to hold simultaneous, conscious identity markers, and maintaining the concept of “home” within oneself are key factors in adapting to new living situations. In addition, there are basic behavioral indicators present within any culture that serve as models and can be easily observed and followed to ease the adjustment into a new place of residence and give meaning to the term “location.” Organizations wishing or needing to relocate employees to a different country and/or culture may benefit greatly from selecting those employees that already hold such identity markers. When employees are needed in a relocation because of particular functional or technical knowledge, but lack a high degree of social facility, a company can take steps to help assure a successful relocation. One solution is to offer counseling and support to employees (and dependents) who need assistance in refining or developing more conscious behavioral choices and adaptive skills. Such choices when reinforced will result ultimately in increased social and emotional intelligence, and more ease and facility for inclusion in new environments.
