Mr Terry Mcgrath1
1Isana Nz, Palmerston North, New Zealand
A Report on Community Engagement Training in New Zealand
In 2018, ISANA NZ was contracted by the Ministry of Education to provide training across Aotearoa New Zealand to provide community engagement training for those interested in supporting and engaging with international students in their communities. The training was based on a framework of community engagement that comprised five stages: 1) friendship and welcome; 2) fellowship and inclusion; 3) partnership and participation; 4) internship and mentorship; and 5) becoming friends and allies. The aim of the training was to provide practical strategies for supporting international students in living and learning in a new country. The training also highlighted the importance of engaging with international students as potential life-long friends and allies of New Zealand.
This paper offers a reflection on the training and suggestions on embarking on such a community engagement initiative. Suggestions include: i) how to access one’s own community and to get groups motivated to engage with incoming international students; ii) how to encourage international students themselves to reach out to the communities in which they live; iii) educating and gaining support from education providers regarding the value of such community engagement; and iv) assisting education providers to get their domestic students to be part of engagement with international students.
While the paper addresses challenges of conducting community engage training such as prejudice and disinterest, the paper also shares several positive outcomes of the training. Some of these outcomes include promising ideas developed by the training participants themselves, and the ongoing development of dynamic models of community engagement.
Biography:
Terry started as chemistry teacher before moving into a pastoral care role. Currently he contributes to international student chaplaincy at Massey University, Palmerston North; consultancy as immediate past National Director for International Student Ministries of NZ (ISM NZ); and Asia Pacific regional facilitation for the Lausanne movement’s ISM Global Leadership Network. This latter role is advisory in nature, influencing and facilitating capacity building and development of services and leadership in international student missions and pastoral care initiatives. Terry’s interests include development and research involving international students and migrants, and professional development in international education arena where he is currently the President of ISANA NZ.