Dear readers, we are happy to inform that we have finished analysing the feedback on our last year’s pilot launch of Multicultural Times (MT), New Zealand’s first nation-wide multicultural newspaper. As was the case with our Christchurch-based multicultural newspaper, The Migrant Times (TMT), MT too received innumerable accolades, appreciation and love from all of you. We are also very grateful to various communities, leaders, decision-makers and organisations from across the country who have shown immense faith in the idea of MT, and TMT before that. Based on the feedback, and after a lot of introspection, we have taken two strategic decisions to ensure that we continue to lead New Zealand’s journalism landscape towards diversity and innovation, while staying true to the basic tenets of the fourth estate. 1) The future of journalism is digital. We will continue publishing MT on our various digital media platforms and will cease publication of our print version. The reach, engagement and scope of innovation in the digital space is far superior to print. The financial viability is also superior in digital, due to the trade-off between the cost of production and results achieved. A better reach, engagement, innovation and viability, will ultimately lead to better-quality journalism for our society. 2) The future of journalism is data and artificial intelligence (AI). We are exploring how to use open data and natural language generation techniques to generate quality content and narrative stories, pertaining to local issues relevant to people’s everyday lives. We are immensely excited.

Stay tuned.

Skills Programme: Mayor honours Christchurch Educated scholars

Skills Programme: Mayor honours Christchurch Educated scholars

Migrants Centre
News

(caption for the above picture: Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel (middle) with recipients of Christchurch Educated Skills Scholarships programme in her office on August 17, 2016)

Six international students from India, who are the latest recipients of the Christchurch Educated India Skills Programme, were presented their scholarship certificates by Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch, on August 17.

Among them was Madhav Chandarana, who comes from Chennai in India, and arrived in Christchurch six weeks back to study Horticulture Sciences in the Lincoln University. "To meet the Mayor, who essentially is the first citizen of the city is a great honour. I am looking forward to my stay in New Zealand," he said.

Another was Dhyanom Gala from Pune. Visibly excited, he pointed to the responsibility the scholars have to help in the rebuild of the city, which has provided them with an opportunity to enhance and upgrade their skills-set.

Deepti Shah from Mumbai, who is studying Engineering Studies, and Saravdeep Singh, who is studying Computer Aided Design at the newly-formed Ara Institute of Canterbury [formerly Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology], were of similar opinion.

The Mayor too welcomed the students from India to the Garden City.

"Christchurch in recent times have become so much more diverse and vibrant. And I thank you for that. I hope after your studies all of you decide to stay in New Zealand and contribute towards making this great city even greater," she said.

Representatives from Christchurch Educated also shared their aim of getting more students from India to study, and eventually work in New Zealand.

"While students from Punjab have always find us to be an attractive place, we want more and more students from other parts of India - the Southern states, Maharashtra and nearby regions - to also consider New Zealand as a wonderful study option," said Mike Hadley, Chair of Christchurch Educated.

"India, with its demographic advantage of having more than 70 percent of the population below 35 years, has a huge requirement for educating its citizens. And we want to contribute towards that,” he added.

    About the Programme

    The Christchurch Educated Skills Scholarship programme is supported by Education New Zealand, the Canterbury Development Corporation, and Christchurch Educated. It is targeted at Indian graduates wishing to study at post graduate level in Christchurch in specific disciplines, which are aligned to clearly identified skill shortage areas associated with the rebuild programme including construction, engineering, ICT and science.

    While Christchurch Educated is a collaboration of education providers based in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. Members span all parts of the education sector from primary schools to universities, and include both public institutions and privately owned and operated businesses. The collaboration also runs a website askchched.co.nz

     

     

     

     

       

       

       

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