Applications for the Pacific Islands Language Grant are now open.
We are excited to announce that applications for the Pacific Islands Language Grant are now open.
This Grant seeks to help Fire and Emergency work more effectively with our Pasefika personnel by offering opportunities for personal development.
The Grant is awarded annually and offers a total of $5,000 per annum to one or more recipients and may be used to assist with tuition fees, resources and operational cover directly related to study in any Pacific Islands language or languages.
Alternatively, the Grant Selection Committee may determine to use the Grant to promote a Pacific Island language or languages to the wider community of Fire and Emergency New Zealand when budget permits. This variation can be applied when:
- in any financial year, funds are still available after satisfying all requests to the Grant, and
- the expenditure is consistent with purpose of the Grant.
This launch aligns with the beginning of Tokelau Language Week. The Pacific Islands language weeks are an annual event which seek to celebrate and recognise the various cultures and languages of our Pacific neighbours.
The theme for Tokelau language week this year is ‘Tokelau, tāofi mau tau aganuku, ko tō pale tēnā’ – ‘Tokelau, holdfast to your culture, that is your crown.’
By providing financial support to our personnel who have an interest in studying one or more Pacific languages, we hope to help Grant recipients holdfast to one of the key elements of culture – language.
To apply, please complete the online application form.(external link)
Applications will be considered by the panel quarterly, or when there are three or more applicants. The application deadlines in order for your application to be considered at the quarterly hui are:
- Deadline for consideration - 27 November 2024
- Deadline for consideration - 26 February 2025
- Deadline for consideration - 21 May 2025
If you are interested in the Grant, we have compiled a list of study options available across Aotearoa.(external link)
If you have any further questions about the Grant or your application, please contact PIlanguagegrant@fireandemergency.nz