Follow the journeys of Pasifika students who have been supported through Le Va’s Futures that Work Pacific Mental Health and Addiction Scholarship programme, as they pursue their qualifications and careers in mental health and addiction services.
The purpose of these stories is to highlight the pathways available for Pasifika peoples in mental health and addiction work and inspire others to join this vital workforce. Growing Pasifika leadership in mental health begins with providing not just financial support, but wraparound mentoring, coaching, and career guidance that honours our cultural values and helps our people succeed.
Read stories about how the Futures that Work programme has helped our scholars to achieve their goals and begin making a difference. We invite you to explore your own future in this rewarding field.
Dwaine Faletanoai
“Massive thanks and appreciation for everything Le Va has done to support me to achieve something for my family and for the Pacific community.”
Alyssa Laufiso
“This scholarship makes a huge change to myself, a young mother, and also to so many other people of colour who are trying to make a change and a difference.”
Tony Sihamau
“I could possibly finish my degree and not have debt – that reality for me is probably one of the coolest opportunities I could ever get.”
Tina Toki
“To be in the field it’s really nice to have more people with brown skin, with the understanding of what cultural barriers can be.”
