UCOL Manawatū are celebrating their Student Success space becoming a recognised safe space for takatāpui whānui (rainbow community).
The new
Safe Space initiative is being led by the Manawatū Lesbian and Gay Rights Association (MALGRA), supported by Palmerston North City Council has seen approximately 70 organisations register their place as a safe space where Rainbow community members can be their authentic selves.
Cameron Jenkins, Treasurer/Secretary of MALGRA, says the initiative is not a new concept, and long-term he hopes to link business information through to the world-wide
Safe Space Alliance so people are able to find safe spaces while travelling too.
“We’re currently going for an education/community led approach so businesses can sign up and then we (MALGRA) will go and have a conversation with them, ensure they are actually a safe space and if we need to help them along the way then it’s a fantastic opportunity for open dialogue.”
“Taking this approach also means if an incident occurs within a space, we can look into what’s occurred and provide feedback and support to those who need it.”
While the official list of organisations isn’t yet available, he hopes the website will be up and running in the next few months.
Victoria Blockley-Powell, Senior Student Success Manager at UCOL, says it’s wonderful to be part of the programme.
“UCOL are currently the only education provider that has registered so I’m pleased we can lead the way and show how well we care for our takatāpui ākonga (Rainbow students).”
“UCOL has a long standing relationship with MALGRA who run our on campus rainbow support group and they are often in attendance at our Community Connect events.”
“We hope by being part of this initiative we can provide reassurance to new-comer learners who are part of the rainbow community that we are here to provide an environment where they can just be them, and that other education providers see us and follow suit.”
Tags