We did it! We made history this week by inaugurating the first PACIFIC ISLANDS STUDENT ASSOCIATION AT UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE. We make up a small cohort of scholars at the university but once we get started, we will be the loudest lol. Please join me in congratulating our founding executive committee:
President: Caleb Pollard (Solomon Islands, Masters student)
Secretary: Koto Qalo (Fiji)
Treasurer: Dulcie Lautu (PNG, PhD candidate)
General representatives: Mearold S. Tinai-Viliamu (Samoa, Masters student), Rita Seumanutafa-Palala (Samoa, PhD candidate), and Tearinaki Tanielu (Kiribati, PhD candidate)
If you are a student at the University of Melbourne (or know of one there) please join our club via registering here: https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/buddy-up/clubs/clubs-listing/join/9660/
#pisaunimelb #pasefikastudents #pasefikaacademics #unimelb
MELBOURNE š¢ Where our young scholars at? Thinking of uni or just thinking about eating lunch at uni ? We gotchu. Come hang with us on June 19th. See video for contact details.
An early Mothers Day dinner tonite as hubby and I fly out tomorrow morning. I am truly blessed. A special shoutout to my darling @elenaariel_ , the mother of my grandsons Falemaāa and Ezekiel. Thank you Elena for being a part of our family loving on all of us the way you do and for raising my grandbabies with steadfast love and care - you are an amazing mum and such a blessing to us šŗ Happy Motherās Day to my fellow mamas, may you get a 5th bathrobe and massage cushion. One for each personality š¤£ thank you Malia for organising our get together, for the beautiful flowers and also to my OstyWosty for the thoughtful gift š š
A small corner of the Pacific on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
Life as a Pasifika student at the University of Melbourne: In between assignments, talanoa, music, and shared plates of food, weāve built something that feels a little like home out here.
For every Pasifika student/staff trying to find their people/space at the University of Melbourne, thereās always space for you around the Tanoa. Join us!
This week at the University of Melbourne was more than a graduation, it was a reminder of what Pacific knowledge, leadership, and responsibility looks like in motion.
PISA was honoured to attend the graduation of public servants from Tuvaluās Climate Change Department as they completed their Climate Readiness Certification. With the Honourable Prime Minister of Tuvalu (Hon Feleti Penitala Teo OBE) present to hand over certificates during his visit to Melbourne to open the Women Deliver conference. The moment carried real weight. A reflection of leadership grounded in service, and advocacy that connects climate and gender across our region.
What stood out most was the exchange.
Not just learning but reciprocity.
From those on the frontlines of climate change, navigating rising seas and protecting their communities, to those studying and supporting systems around them, knowledge moved in all directions.
We were especially proud to see our own Pasifika scholars step into that space:
Dr Bateteba Aselu and Dr Jason Titifanua contributing to lesson delivery, alongside the incredible leadership of Dr Vili Iese, with support from PISA Vice President Gerard Anapu.
This is what it looks like when our people lead, teach, and build together.
And to close the week we brought it home.
TāManaeba filled with kava, singing, and stories. A space to reflect, to celebrate, and to honour the work that continues beyond the classroom.
More than an event.
A strengthening of our Pacific network.
I Can never forget our humble beginnings with the church choir all huddled in the Tanoi familyās living room on Tyrone St and my dad furiously pumping away on the reed organ (wooden box) while yelling at us to sing louder all while singing over us š¤£ #onemanshow #efkslife #faipeselife
