Boosting confidence for young Pasifika leaders
Graduates of the Tupulaga mo le Lumana’i programme sit with youth advisors Sina Latu (centre) and Mataiá Vaofusi Salatielu Tiatia (right)
This year, Tangata Atumotu launched the Tupulaga mo le Lumana’i programme to support the journey of young Pasifika leaders during their transition from intermediate to high school.
The 8-week course has been delivered successfully in schools across Ōtautahi, including Chisnallwood Intermediate, Haeata, Hornby High School and Hillmorton High School.
In October, eleven graduates of the course were selected to attend our Youth Leadership retreat, designed to further develop leadership skills and provide frameworks for understanding mental health and well-being.
The pilot retreat was hosted by kaupapa Māori agency Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi and facilitated by our experienced youth advisors Mataiá Vaofusi Salatielu Tiatia, Sina Latu and Hezron Taulapapa.
Over three days, the participants engaged in activities that built confidence, strengthened whanaungatanga (relationships and sense of belonging), and demonstrated the importance of teamwork and clear communication in overcoming challenges.
Based on a Pasifika understanding of leadership, the activities also centred on the value of responding respectfully to others’ emotions and stories, creating a safe space for sharing also known as vā fealoa’i.
“It’s great to see the next generation of Pasifika leaders, and it’s awesome watching them gain the confidence to fully step into that role,” says team lead Mataiá Vaofusi Salatielu Tiatia.
Of the course, one graduate reflected:
“The Tupulaga mo le Lumana’i course has taught me how to be confident and have conversations with my friends on how to serve proudly, and about my culture and heritage.” (View the full testimony here)
