VAKA Pasifika Student Leadership Program is a leadership forum, which was formed and pioneered in 2024 by Melbourne University in partnership with the Pasifika Schools Network. The Vaka Pasifika program, led by the University’s Oceania Institute, aims to empower Pasifika students to view higher education as a ‘Vaka’ (Tongan for ‘vessel’) – a meaningful way to navigate and achieve both educational and career aspirations.
This is the first year FHS has sent representatives from Years 10-11 to attend the forum last Friday at Melbourne University. This partnership was bought about by the advocacy of the Pasifika Network seeking to support the aspirations and pathway planning for their Pasifika students. Pasifika students have a lower school completion rate and relatively low engagement with higher education. The Pasifika Network play a key role in promoting and coordinating student attendance at this valuable event.
Students attended lectures in Science & Agriculture with Te’o Dr. Vili Iese, Health with Prof. Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino, Performing Arts with Dr. Rita Seumanutafa-Palala and a speech from the Melb Uni Vice Chancellor.
We are proud of our Pacific Islander Students who attended and represented FHS well and can’t wait to send more delegates next year.
Malcolm Fretz
