In this written interview Sadiqa Hajee, a Community Health Worker at Starship Community Services – Te Toka Tumai Auckland, who attended last year's Intake 3 of the online Certificate of Achievement in Introducing Health Promotion shares some of her highlights from the course and how it has strengthened her understanding of core health promotion principles.  

Hauora News: Can you please tell us a bit about your background, where you currently work, and what your role is?

Sadiqa: I have had over 18 years’ experience working with Te Toka Tomai Auckland as Regional Refugee Health Promoter and Community Health Worker at Starship Community Services, primarily working with refugee and migrant communities through health promotion and community development initiatives. Also supporting (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) CALD’s  families of children with special needs to access health services and navigate community service.

Following my migration to New Zealand in the early 1990s, I began working closely with ethnic and Muslim communities, supporting families with positive settlement outcomes. My work includes leading and organising women’s programmes and community events that promote community wellbeing, as well as facilitating engagement and collaboration between community-based organisations, community leaders, mainstream and government agencies.

My proficiency in speaking Arabic, English, Persian and Dari has enabled me to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services while effectively maintaining strong community engagement.

Hauora News: How did you become aware of the CoA and what interested you in it?

Sadiqa: I became aware of the CoA through colleagues at my workplace. I was interested in learning more about the health promotion concept and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and in using this knowledge in my daily practice to provide better services to the community I work with.

Hauora News: What were some of the highlights of the course for you?

Sadiqa: The Health Promotion course strengthened my understanding of core health promotion principles, the practical application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strands of Ottawa Charter. Key highlights included reflective learning that enhanced my practice and informed a holistic, empowering approach to supporting ethnic communities and newcomers. Grounded in the Ottawa Charter and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, this learning will guide equitable health promotion that acknowledges te whenua, tangata whenua, and Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural context.

Hauora News: How did you find the online format?

Sadiqa: The online format was very convenient and easy to access from home and allowed me to participate without concerning about travel time and parking matters. 

Hauora News: What have you learned from the course that will help you in your every-day mahi?

Sadiqa: Through the Health Promotion course, I have gained practical knowledge and skills that will directly support my everyday mahi. I learned how to apply key health promotion principles, including a strengths-based, early intervention and preventative approach, to improve health outcomes for individuals, whānau, and communities. The course strengthened my understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in health practice, particularly in working in partnership, ensuring participation, and protecting equity. Overall, the course has enhanced my confidence to work more reflectively, collaboratively, and effectively in my role.

Hauora News: What is your advice for those who might be looking to learn health promotion or might benefit from doing the CoA. 

Sadiqa: The CoA course is highly beneficial for individuals working in health promotion, community development, and client base roles. It supports the development of a holistic approach by enhancing understanding of the social determinants of health and enables the practical application of Te Whare Tapa Whā, considering all pillars that influence the health and wellbeing of whanau.

Hauora News: Do you have anything else to add? 

Sadiqa: I appreciated the duration of the course and the class size, which included participants from a range of agencies across the country. I also highly value the opportunity provided for prospective students to apply for scholarships.