Addressing Poor Educational Outcomes for Indigenous and International Populations

Steve Chaney, Senior Fellow, International Fellows Program ~ 2009

Abstract

In this paper, Steve Chaney investigates the current and future roles of philanthropy and community foundations in New Zealand that work with indigenous peoples and international populations. Of particular interest to Chaney are the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, and the heterogeneous mixture of Pacific Islanders who form the country’s largest international population. Students from both groups rank below New Zealand’s average for academic achievement. How can New Zealand Community Foundations that work with the Maori and international populations best serve communities and be conveyers of positive social change?

Chaney looks at the strategies of community foundations in other countries in order to draw recommendations for those in New Zealand working on educational issues. His case studies include the Berks County Community Foundation in Pennsylvania and Melbourne Community Foundation in Australia, along with other foundations which focus on youth development. This paper concludes by outlining ways in which the Manukau Community Foundation can seek to improve educational outcomes for Maori and Pacific Islanders in Auckland. Chaney recommends, among other things, intense collaboration with community members, hiring an external reviewer to complete periodic reviews, and publicizing successes and failures in order to guide other communities seeking to undertake similar initiatives.

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