(from The Migrant Times; the original story is here https://themigranttimes.org.nz/stories/2016/8/28/skills-programme-mayor-honours-christchurch-educated-scholars?rq=mayor)

(caption for the above picture: Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel (middle) with recipients of Christchurch Educated Skills Scholarships programme in her office on August 17, 2016)

Six international students from India, who are the latest recipients of the Christchurch Educated India Skills Programme, were presented their scholarship certificates by Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch, on August 17.

Among them was Madhav Chandarana, who comes from Chennai in India, and arrived in Christchurch six weeks back to study Horticulture Sciences in the Lincoln University. "To meet the Mayor, who essentially is the first citizen of the city is a great honour. I am looking forward to my stay in New Zealand," he said.

Another was Dhyanom Gala from Pune. Visibly excited, he pointed to the responsibility the scholars have to help in the rebuild of the city, which has provided them with an opportunity to enhance and upgrade their skills-set.

Deepti Shah from Mumbai, who is studying Engineering Studies, and Saravdeep Singh, who is studying Computer Aided Design at the newly-formed Ara Institute of Canterbury [formerly Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology], were of similar opinion.

The Mayor too welcomed the students from India to the Garden City.

"Christchurch in recent times have become so much more diverse and vibrant. And I thank you for that. I hope after your studies all of you decide to stay in New Zealand and contribute towards making this great city even greater," she said.

Representatives from Christchurch Educated also shared their aim of getting more students from India to study, and eventually work in New Zealand.

"While students from Punjab have always find us to be an attractive place, we want more and more students from other parts of India - the Southern states, Maharashtra and nearby regions - to also consider New Zealand as a wonderful study option," said Mike Hadley, Chair of Christchurch Educated.

"India, with its demographic advantage of having more than 70 percent of the population below 35 years, has a huge requirement for educating its citizens. And we want to contribute towards that,” he added.

About the Programme

The Christchurch Educated Skills Scholarship programme is supported by Education New Zealand, the Canterbury Development Corporation, and Christchurch Educated. It is targeted at Indian graduates wishing to study at post graduate level in Christchurch in specific disciplines, which are aligned to clearly identified skill shortage areas associated with the rebuild programme including construction, engineering, ICT and science.

While Christchurch Educated is a collaboration of education providers based in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. Members span all parts of the education sector from primary schools to universities, and include both public institutions and privately owned and operated businesses. The collaboration also runs a website askchched.co.nz