Education New Zealand administers Prime Minister Scholarship for Asia, a unique scholarship programme that enables rich exchange of languages, culture, skills and opportunities. The programme highlights New Zealand government’s commitment to India and its education relationship, particularly to help grow strong connections between young New Zealanders and Indians.
As part of the joint effort, a cohort of 15 students from Whitecliffe School of Fashion & Sustainability, also the recipients of Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia, visited India and worked with the students of Pearl Academy and artisans of Kala Raksha for five weeks.
Collaborating with the NGO Kala Raksha from Bhuj, Kutch – 30 students went on a trip and stayed with the artisans for over two weeks. The larger group was distilled into groups and were assigned to make each garment. The embroidery work was done collaboratively with an indigenous group and students.
The students showcased their work through an innovative fashion event titled NO:MAAD:ISH on Tuesday 28th March at the New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi.
Speaking about the event, HE David Pine, New Zealand High Commission to India, said, “New Zealand and India hold strong education ties and the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia symbolizes New Zealand government’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties between both countries.”
“We are thrilled to have 15 Prime Minister’s Scholarship recipients from Whitecliffe College visit India and take this opportunity to collaborate with Pearl Academy students in fashion and sustainability. We believe such initiatives welcome diverse perspectives, develop students’ ability to think creatively and collaboratively, and widen the avenues of knowledge around different cultures.” he further added.
Encouraging outbound student mobility, the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA) are funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ). Since 2013, the scholarships have enabled nearly 3,000 New Zealanders to broaden their horizons through life-changing learning experiences in Asia and Latin America.
India has received 305 PMSA students so far, representing the second largest cohort of New Zealand students through the programme. As part of the 2022 announcements, India has been a recipient of three PMSA groups, who have undertaken 6–8-week programme in India during 2023. This [15 students of Whitecliffe School of Fashion & Sustainability] is the third and final PMSA cohort to India. More details here.
Notes to Editors:
About Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency responsible for taking New Zealand’s education experiences to the world. ENZ promotes a New Zealand education as one that teaches students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners, which will help them succeed in their future careers and create a positive impact on the world. In 2019, New Zealand’s education system was ranked first among English-speaking countries and third in the world for delivering a future-focused education (out of 50 economies) by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
With approximately 100 staff in 18 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector including schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, universities; and internationally with NZ Inc agencies, Government agencies and education providers to encourage sustainable growth and identify opportunities.
