Igniting communities,
creating change

National Science Challenge Monday 18 September Le Va was privileged to participate on the reference group for the National Science Challenges Pasifika stream. The objective of the Challenge is researching improved methods and tools to predict, prevent and treat obesity, and identifying and addressing learning and mental health problems in children and teenagers. The Challenge’s research strategy is new for New Zealand as it will target at-risk children early, engage their communities, draw together different disciplines, and take a holistic approach to obesity, learning, and mental health difficulties, which are usually treated in isolation. The Challenge is using ‘big data’ as captured by a range of government agencies to inform progress in reaching key developmental milestones in each of these areas. Our Pasifka stream was fortunate to have a number of Pasifka leaders like Matafanua Hilda Fa’asalele, Jacinta Faalili-Fidow, Dr Gerhard Sundborn, and Denise Kingi-Uluave and others. Pasifika leadership and participation is vital in ensuring that any future research funding into Pasifika health, social and wellbeing, authentically aligns to current and future needs and more importantly led by Pasifika. It was reassuring and humbling being a part of this expert group, knowing they would keep Pasifika needs at the forefront of the Challenge. Here is a summary of the groups thoughts on moving forward: • Communities and relationships = trust, authenticity and reciprocity • Shape big data findings to empower Pasifika families • Value knowledge held by families and communities • Understand the differences of “Pasifika” communities For more information, on the National Science Challenge see the link provided: http://www.abetterstart.nz/en/home/the-national-science-challenges.html #LeVa #Mentalhealth #AuntyDee #Pasifikawellbeing

Woohoo! FULL HOUSE! The whole #LeVaPasifika team together at last!