Vaka Pasifika strengthens pathways to university and community connection
More than 320 Pasifika students from 23 high schools and dozens of community members came together at the University of Melbourne this year through Vaka Pasifika, a program that strengthens pathways to higher education while celebrating culture, leadership and belonging.
Led by the University's Oceania Institute in partnership with the Chancellery Engagement team, Vaka Pasifika invites young people to view higher education as a 'vaka' (vessel) for navigating their educational and career goals.
Delivered across the Parkville and Dookie campuses in partnership with the Pasefika Schools Network and supported by the Department of Education, the program supports long-term educational success through culturally informed, community-based engagement.
Oceania Institute Research Fellow Dr Rita Seumanutafa-Palala delivered a lecture on Performing Arts at the Vaka Pasifika Student Day at Dookie campus. Picture: Aun Ngo
Students participated in short academic lectures delivered by Pasifika academics, leadership workshops and cultural performances. At both campuses, they heard from members of the Pacific Island Student Association about university life. Parkville students also met with the Future Students team to learn about entry pathways, while Dookie participants took part in a campus tour.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Culture and Engagement) Professor Sara Wills said Vaka Pasifika was about creating spaces where Pasifika students, families and communities feel a sense of belonging at the University.
“We want young people to see that university is a place where they can thrive, celebrate their identity and pursue their aspirations. We see these students as current and future leaders, and our goal is to equip them with the confidence, knowledge and support they need to succeed. By fostering belonging and connecting education to future opportunities, the University can be a responsive partner to the community,” Professor Wills said.
Liana Taufa, a Year 10 student who attended the Parkville Student Leadership Day, said: “I found it inspiring to see what a typical day at university looks like. Talking with current students and staff helped me understand how university could work for me.”
The Nuiean dance group Nesian Heimana presented a cultural performance for community members. Picture: David Darlington
The Pasifika Community Day at Parkville celebrated Pasifika cultures, with more than half of attendees visiting the University for the first time. Held alongside the Moana Creative Arts Forum, the event featured performances by Pacific Island Creative Arts Australia Strings, spoken-word artist Marina Alefosio and Niuean dance group Nesian Heimana.