Vaka Pasifika Student Leadership Program

Vaka Pasifika aim:

The aim of this program is to empower Pasifika high students to view higher education as their vaka (vessel) in navigating career and educational aspirations.

Vaka Pasifika is an opportunity for Pasifika Year 10 students based in Melbourne and Shepparton to become familiar with university learning. Students are invited to attend several lectures facilitated by Pasifika staff at the University of Melbourne. Through these lectures, students will gain insight into a day-in-the-life of a university student, and we hope that it may encourage them to pursue tertiary education after they finish year 12.

Students enjoying a lecture event — Vaka Pasifika 2024 students enjoying Day 1 at Parkville campus (September, 2024).

Vaka Pasifika 2025 students with Te'o Lau Dr. Vili Iese and Pasefika Schools Network member Deborah Fili (front) and Dr. Rita Seumanutafa-Palala (back) at Dookie campus in Shepparton (May, 2025).

In partnership with local community initiatives Pasefika Schools Network (metro Melbourne) and Know Your Roots Inc. (regional Victoria), the Oceania Institute in partnership with the University's Engagement and Partnerships (Global Culture and Engagement) office, Vaka Pasifika Student Leadership programs hosts a Student Learning day followed by a Pasifika Community Day on campus.

Previous events: