The Pacific Theological College (PTC) has officially been renamed to Pasifika Communities University (PCU), a change celebrated during a renaming ceremony attended by dignitaries including the chief guest Ro Teimumu Kepa. Kepa highlighted the significant contributions of PTC over its sixty-year history in producing influential church and national leaders in the Pacific region.
She emphasized that the new name reflects not just a change in title but a deeper commitment to the values and needs of Pacific communities. “The transition to PCU represents a blending of education with the cultural and spiritual needs of the Pacific peoples,” Kepa stated.
The institution aims to pursue a more inclusive and holistic educational approach. PCU Vice-Chancellor Manu Folau elaborated on the extensive preparations undertaken since 2019 to facilitate this transition. He described the process of creating new structures and a curriculum that resonate with the community’s identity, focusing on a paradigm shift that embraces indigenous knowledge.
Folau noted that despite the challenges of this significant transition—including concerns about resources and capacity—the community’s support, grounded in faith and resilience, has fostered an environment ripe for opportunity and growth. He remarked on this journey as akin to “the birth pangs of a mother ready to give birth,” emphasizing the collaborative spirit evident in this transformation.
In addition to celebrating the renaming, the PCU is marking its 60th anniversary, reinforcing its long-standing role as a vital educational institution in the Pacific. The future looks bright for PCU as it aims to integrate more community-based learning opportunities, continuing to foster leaders who embody the values of their heritage.
The transformation from PTC to PCU not only underlines the importance of adjusting educational frameworks to meet modern needs but also showcases the enduring relevance of community and cultural root in the learning processes of the Pacific Islands. As education continues to evolve within this region, initiatives like these are essential in empowering future generations while honoring their heritage and cultural identity.
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