Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to identify effects of the home environment on the academic journey of young Tongan women in higher education. Ten participants between the ages of 20-27 years who have completed or are working towards a New Zealand qualification were recruited for this study. Data was collected through Talanoa sessions with participants to explore effects of the home environment that might have influenced their higher education. The study found that there were four major effects of the home environment. The most influential was found to be Parent effect in relation to attitude, schooling background, and their beliefs and values. How the parents interpreted the world around them helped construct knowledge. This knowledge became influential as to what was incorporated in their teaching the participants. The second most influential effect was Culture. The cultural traditions that have been passed on through generations still have an effect on the upbringing of the young women in this study. They uphold the beliefs and values of being Tongan as well as being expected to be an obedient Tongan woman. Spirituality was the third most influential effect and all the young women identified themselves with a Christian religious background. Tonga is a very spiritual country therefore a lot of the Tongan teachings, beliefs, and values are influenced by their spirituality. The young women have used their belief and trust in God to guide their educational journey. The least most influential effect of the home was identified as that of Financial influence. Although anticipated to be most influential, Financial effect emerged as least important. However it provided for the participants a motivational drive to succeed in higher education. This study shows that while these effects are evident in the home environment, they also have a relationship with each other that is complex and therefore warrants further investigation to elicit “koe mahu’inga ‘oe ā takai”. These findings are discussed.
