How Two Filipinos Helped Thousands of Migrant Teachers Settle in New Zealand

New Zealand, home to 72,000 Filipino migrants, is seeing a significant influx of women arriving to address the nation’s teacher shortage. In response to the challenges these migrant teachers face, two Filipinos, Vilma Leonidas and Penny Cajipe, have established thriving support networks to assist them in navigating the immigration system, getting their teaching qualifications recognized, and finding employment.

Building a Support Network

Vilma Leonidas and Penny Cajipe are the founders of two prominent Facebook support groups: Pioneering Pinoy Teachers in NZ and Filipino Teachers in NZ Support Page. These groups, with a combined membership of over 23,000, offer vital support to Filipino teachers aspiring to work in New Zealand.

Leonidas, who has been teaching in Auckland for two years, initiated the Pioneering Pinoy Teachers in NZ group. Her experience of mastering English, undergoing the teaching evaluation, and obtaining a teaching certificate highlighted the difficulties many immigrant teachers face, leading her to create a platform to share her knowledge and support others.

Similarly, Penny Cajipe, who runs the Filipino Teachers in NZ Support Page, was driven by her own challenging journey. Both women recognized the value of providing clear guidance in their native language, which significantly eases the transition for other Filipino teachers.

Overcoming Challenges

In the Philippines, Leonidas holds a doctorate in philosophy, which she initially believed would secure her a straightforward teaching job in New Zealand. However, she discovered that the process was far from simple. During the pandemic, Leonidas faced difficulties finding work due to New Zealand’s strict lockdowns. Eventually, she received a teacher’s certificate and was granted a scholarship for a training program for educators. She now works as a substitute teacher for seventh grade.

Cajipe’s experiences mirrored those of Leonidas. Both women endured long and complicated paths to secure teaching positions in New Zealand. Their determination to help others led them to create their support groups, providing essential resources and advice for aspiring Filipino teachers.

Making a Difference

The support groups offer a range of assistance, from expedited teaching registrations to guidance on assessments by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the World Education Services (WES). These groups have become invaluable resources for Filipino teachers, helping them navigate the complexities of New Zealand’s education system.

Leonidas and Cajipe’s efforts have not only provided practical support but also fostered a sense of community among Filipino teachers in New Zealand. Their work emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and helping others without expecting anything in return.

A Legacy of Support

Both Leonidas and Cajipe believe in leaving a legacy of support and generosity. “Whatever it is that you have, you share it,” Leonidas said. “Not everything is about money. When you need to help, help without asking or expecting any return because God sees our heart. And that’s the legacy that we have to leave behind, especially among teachers.”

Sophia H.