Tula'i Graduation 2023

Tula’i 2023 Tula'i is a Pacific youth values-based leadership program run by the West Auckland Pasifika Forum Community Trust (WAPF) and the University of Auckland. Over the course of the 13 week program, participants strengthened their knowledge of leadership values, protocols, and confidence in who they are as a Pacific person. It empowers Pacific youth to be the best that they can be. The program allows for a unified connection of Pacific youth in West Auckland. It is a holistic programme that encourages family, community, and school support. 

My experience at Tula'i was great! Because we were able to sharpen our  leadership skills, boost our confidence, and learn about the issues our young Pacific youth are dealing with. A few weeks ago, Tiana Poliko 12TL, Ioana Leaana 12HO and  myself graduated from the program. For the 13 weeks we had the chance to connect with other schools, making plenty of new friendships while also taking the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. Every week on a Wednesday after school we participated in various team-building activities which mixed us with other schools and provided for some friendly competitions. The holidays had given an amazing opportunity - going on a fully accommodated camp for 3 days and 2 nights. We got to experience so many different activities, both mentally and physically challenging, each one helping us learn something new about ourselves and others around.This was when we got a stronger bond with everyone and got split up into groups in which we competed against each other in different activities such as capture the flag, tug of war and our version of the x- factor. We investigated further into the various challenges that Pasifika youth face and resolved to establish a secure environment for them, where they would be safeguarded from facing any difficulties. 

We decided to create an educational space from which young individuals can take advantage of, providing courses and workshops which will help eliminate the gap that exists between Pasifika youth and other communities. This includes providing guidance in areas such as school, cultural identity and dealing with difficult situations. In which it evolved into a drop-in centre for the last Friday of every month. I would like to thank Mr Talamaivao for getting us involved in this program as well as Mrs Taula, Ms Tolova’a, Ms Hopokingi and Ms Kim for attending our graduation ceremony on Friday 4th August. 

Malo ‘Aupito Isabella Taliauli 12CH