Centre manager Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai said the programme started last year as a way to introduce Pacific Island secondary school pupils to tertiary education. It was clear many pupils arrived unprepared for tertiary studies, as they, and their parents, did not know what NCEA was.
"We were thinking of those students who go home and there is nobody there to help them."
This year, the focus moved from helping pupils select the right subjects to succeed at a tertiary level to helping them gain basic literacy and numeracy skills.
"The students now know it's a place for them to come for support and advice."
The programme was held on Saturday between 10am and 12pm and was aimed at year 11-13 Pacific Island pupils. It would run until early December, after exams.
About eight pupils had attended so far, with more expressing interest, but not having transport to the centre.
Mrs Kirifi-Alai said Studholme College would lend the programme its van, and pupils would now be collected.
"We are trying to eliminate silly things that are in the way of our students achieving," she said.
Specialised tutors ran the programmes, with two focusing on English and one on maths. Different subjects would be focused upon if required.
Pupils were "excited" and "engaged", and "finally the penny dropped" for them, as they began to understand subjects.
Pupil Faiumu Pavahi (17) said the extra tutelage was important because she wanted to get into university with good grades.
Everyone attending the programme was aiming to go to university, she said.
Having a smaller group with one-on-one tutelage made it easier to learn.
There were also plans to hold an information session for parents and caregivers to explain NCEA and help them support pupils from home, Mrs Kirifi-Alai said.
"We are very passionate about bridging the gap."
