The University of the South Pacific (USP), through the Student Learning Support (SLS), is taking an innovative approach by making essential information accessible to high school students.
USP SLS staff Ram Singh Jnr, Subashni Lal, Jiupili Simmons, some Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) mentors, and undergraduate students of USP collaborated with Queen Victoria School Parents, Guardians, and Friends Association (PGFA) to provide peer mentoring for Years 12 and 13 students on last Sunday, June 9, 2024.
The programme aims to help students prepare for upcoming mid-year exams and continue through term 3.
The initiative allowed USP SLS staff to be part of a community engagement, presenting an opportunity for their PASS leaders and senior undergraduate students to execute mentoring strategies in ways that students at QVS could take advantage of.
USP mentors with SLS staff conducted mentoring on concepts in the subjects of Mathematics, English, Physics, Accounting, and Economics for students in Years 12 and 13.
Jiupili Simmons said the sessions were dynamic, engaging, and interactive, and students’ participation was pleasing.
This collaboration allows the university to bridge gaps, build networks, aid QVS students with prospective pathways to higher learning, and build their resilience to develop independent learning skills.
The PGFA and the principal expressed positive remarks about the mentoring sessions. They spoke of how QV students were excited about their shared learning group discussions and acquired refined learning skills gained in the two-hour mentoring sessions.
Acknowledgement is directed to the school Principal, Mr Timoci Vosailagi; USP Centre for Flexible Learning Director, Dr Rajni Chand; Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education Professor Jito Vanualailai and QVS PGFA, Mr Nemani Tuifagalele, for allowing Student Learning Specialists and PASS mentors to take peer mentoring to brilliant, bright, enthusiastic young men and leaders of tomorrow at QVS.
Similar proposals for peer mentoring are planned to be held throughout this year.
