Pasifika Youth Summit

At Town Park, years 10,11 and 12 Pasifika students had the opportunity to be apart of the very first Hume Central’s Pasifika Youth Summit. The youth summit included a full day of discussions and activities around:

• Education and career pathways
• Mental health and wellbeing in Pasifika communities
• Cultural exchange

Before starting, our college principal Jeffery Mulcahy spoke to our Pasifika students getting them ready for the day ahead to motivate the students to be involved as much as possible. As it started, Jana (Hume Centrals Pasifika Liaison Officer) wanted to make our students aware of the many pathways available to them as well as inform them of the outlet and resources available to them within our community. The day was full of joy, laughter and even some tears. The activities pushed the students to step out of their comfort zone which allowed them to grow individually as well as a group.

As well as the Pasifika Hume Staff who were there to help, we were also able to have two special guest speakers who came and shared about the career paths they’re in, and the many struggles and circumstances they had to overcome to be where they are today. One guest speaker was a former Hume Central student, Jeremy Fretton who works within the creative arts industry, having just come off showcasing his own art gallery this year. The other guest speaker was Elena Euese who is the Pasifika Community Programs Coordinator for Melbourne Storm. As well as coming with their presentations, they also came with gifts for the kids. The students found the guest speakers to be inspiring and participated in asking questions and taking down notes.

The activities that the students had participated in caused them to learn about each other as well as share about themselves and how they would support each other in school and outside of school. The activities showed them that they all go through similar circumstances and that they don’t stand alone which was an eye opener for them. As well as the physical activities, there were also a lot of discussion being had around the agenda topics.

Overall, the day was a great success, having the students begin to look at different pathways and explore more fields within the area and industries they’re interested in. The students were all support of each other, the guest speakers as well as all the facilitators. A giant well done to Jana for putting together this amazing day for our Pasifika students here at Hume Central Secondary College and to our Pasifika/Maori staff members (Ana and Rachel) for helping facilitate the day.