Chelcia Gomese, Sonny Togiatama, Anderias Tani and Higano Perez—who collectively represent the Solomon Islands, Niue, Timor-Leste, Tokelau and New Zealand—were part of the group of 51 students to graduate from the intensive, degree-long programme designed to prepare students for international careers.
Over 350 students have graduated from VILP since it began in 2008, only one of whom identified as Pasifika.
“While the Victoria International Leadership Programme is valuable to students of all backgrounds, it’s really pleasing to have so many Pasifika students graduate this year,” says VILP manager Amber Walters.
“VILP is about enabling globally minded and engaged leaders of tomorrow. It advances students’ knowledge and skills in cross-cultural communication, diplomacy and global awareness. Pacific nations are too often underrepresented on the world stage, yet there is a lot of discussion and activity in the Pacific region. It’s important that, through programmes like VILP, we can hear a truly grassroots perspective and nurture aspiring leaders who can give Pacific people a strong voice,” Amber says.
All four of the Pasifika VILP graduates are now looking to use the skills they gained through VILP to forge careers.
For example, Chelcia says: “VILP has taught me to be a good team leader, improved my communication skills and have a multi-cultural and global perspective. I want to teach when I go back to the Solomon Islands. I hope these skills I learnt through VILP will enable me to be someone who can lead young people.”
She also hopes to use her skills to enhance the not-for-profit education initiatives she has established in her local community.
Anderias, who has been studying at Victoria for three years, is looking forward to returning home to Timor-Leste where he hopes to work for a government agency to assist civic redevelopment. He also hopes to establish a programme similar to VILP in Timor-Leste.
Hear more about the students’ VILP experience and learn more about VILP online.
About VILP:
Victoria International Leadership Programme is an award-winning extracurricular programme for Victoria University students. VILP is the first and only global leadership programme of its kind in New Zealand. Participants have the duration of their degree to complete the programme, which requires them to earn a designated number of ‘points’ by attending seminars, public forums, international conferences, volunteer work, student exchanges, participate in inter-cultural events and organising events that encourage discussion on global issue. The programme does not count for academic credit but upon completion is noted on the academic transcript.