PUBLISHED JULY 2024

Our secret behind scholar success

University success might have you thinking about late-night study sessions and exam triumphs. However, at First Foundation, there’s another force at play: our team. Our engagement manager, Isaac Etimani, dedicates each day to ensuring our scholars get the most effective support they can in their journeys. Each scholar has tailored support to help them navigate the transition to university life with confidence and success.

Amanda Gilchrist (left) and Isaac Etimani (right) celebrate with students at our annual Awards Evening. 

Isaac has a career in pastoral care and social work and finds his work incredibly rewarding. Before joining First Foundation eight years ago, he supported high school students in similar roles. He’s also had a stint as a music director at Whakaata Māori; his talent as a musician brings him extra credibility among scholars!

“The best thing about my role is witnessing the growth of the scholars from the start through to completion.
It’s satisfying seeing them overcome challenges and go on to succeed.”

Set up for success from the start

From the moment scholars are awarded their scholarship, Isaac ensures they receive the best support. Scholars are welcomed to the First Foundation whānau and introduced to other scholars, which is especially meaningful for those from smaller centres.

“One of the first workshops focuses on understanding and building communication skills. We introduce scholars to their mentors, and they do this session together. It lays the foundations for a strong relationship where they make the most of their mentor and all that’s on offer. Our mentors find it immensely rewarding, too.”

“It’s eye-opening, and it makes me a more rounded person. I’ve gotten so much out of watching these talented young people grow into incredible adults.”

Mentor Sheree Nicholas

Other workshops include Unibound, Uniprep, Amp’d careers and even a VR experience. We find experts to partner with so that our students get best-in-class content. 

Taking on the transition to tertiary study

Going from high school to university can be daunting, especially for those without graduates around them; it can be hard even to understand what you need to know and where to start. Isaac ensures every scholar has the information required for a successful first year.

“It can be things such as helping scholars understand rank scores and what they need for different courses. Many of our scholars are unsure about where to go to find information, and we’re here to help. We can also connect them with university personnel who can offer additional guidance.”

“I also help with accommodation enquiries for those leaving home to study. This covers the application process for university halls, funding options and more. Later, we can give them guidance when they’re thinking about finding flatmates.

Isaac makes sure they know what support systems are available, helping them to feel less alone in this new chapter of their lives.

“First Foundation provides not only financial support but also a family of support. I can always message any member of the team and will receive a reply within a great time period. One day I hope to become a mentor of a student study with First Foundation as I have been supported so well.”

Isaac Etimani (right) with volunteer students

Learning financial literacy and life skills

Building financial literacy is a crucial part of First Foundation’s support for scholars. Workshops give guidance about budgeting, credit scores, and investments, preparing them for financial independence.

First Foundation CEO Kirk Sargent explains, “Like it or not, financial systems shape our world. The more financially literate we are, the better we can engage with these systems.

“The younger generation is carrying a disproportionate burden of this economic cycle. Financial literacy is about empowering young people with knowledge to make healthy decisions with money.”

Kirk says First Foundation sees it as essential to give the next generation the tools they need because with those, they’ll build a future we’ll all be proud of. 

Regular check-ins and regional support

Isaac’s commitment to scholars sees him regularly connecting with them and catching up face-to-face. He conducts quarterly check-ins and follows up in regions twice a year to ensure scholars are on track.  

“We organise events on university campuses to help scholars connect with others in their cohort and the wider programme, particularly at the beginning of the academic year.”

“We also introduce new uni students to alumni and other scholars who have successfully navigated their first year. Every connection helps strengthen their support networks.”

Preparing for the world of work

Another important part of Isaac’s role is helping scholars gain exposure to the professional world. He arranges experiences in various sectors so that scholars can widen their understanding of the options available to them.

“We’ve just finished a series of ‘law lunches’ so that students can learn about what it’s like to work in corporate law. We also have opportunities for engineering students to get on-site. Next up, we’re putting something together for our digital creatives.

“All these initiatives help scholars see new potential career paths. The experiences not only build practical skills but also their scholars’ confidence about entering the workforce.”

A safe space for growth

Isaac’s work has a lasting impact, not just on the scholars but also on their families and communities. Many of our scholars come from backgrounds where talking about challenges is not encouraged. They often carry the weight of great mana and expectations for their families. Isaac creates a safe space for them to voice their concerns and seek support.

“I know that it makes a difference to our Pasifika scholars that I can relate to them and their cultural upbringing. The First Foundation team has a vast depth of knowledge in supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

“Common themes happen at different stages of the university journey – stress, anxiety, depression. Sometimes, it’s a matter of helping to facilitate conversations with teachers and whānau. We know that family engagement is vital to individual success.

A small team makes a mighty impact

Isaac’s efforts make a lifetime of difference to many of the talented young people in our programme. Furthermore, each person in the small but dedicated First Foundation team plays a vital role in scholar success.

The completion rates of First Foundation scholars are proof of the pudding — 87% compared to a national average of approximately 62% and only 42-50% for more diverse backgrounds.

However, the outcomes that mean the most to the team are the transformations that happen for each scholar and across generations. It’s these stories that show how much our work matters.

If you’d like to be part of one of our scholar’s stories, or make a donation, email our team to find out what’s involved.