Pou Pasifika: Training Modules & Digital Learning Platform for the Pasifika Youth Development Workforce

Lead organisation:

Ola le Ola Aotearoa Trust

Ola le Ola Aotearoa Trust is co-designing 30–50 culturally-grounded vocational training modules and a digital learning platform, the Knowledge Hub, for Aotearoa's Pasifika youth development workforce. Modules will cover practitioner wellbeing, leadership and youth development frameworks grounded in values like Tautua and Teu le va, while the Hub will host training videos, a workforce directory and digital storytelling from senior "wayfinder" practitioners.

The project responds to a workforce that has repeatedly called for accessible, culturally-centred training reflecting Pasifika worldviews resources that don't currently exist. Workers often rely on generic training that overlooks core Pasifika values, leaving practitioners disconnected from their practice and isolated across the motu.

As kaitiaki of the Pou Pasifika movement, the Trust will lead a national co-design process, engaging over 200 practitioners through regional talanoa and its Advisory Group and Regional Action Teams, alongside partners including Ara Taiohi, AUT and Moana Connect.

The result will be a permanent, sector-owned training ecosystem, free and accessible to nearly the entire specialised workforce, that lifts capability, reduces isolation, and preserves the knowledge of senior practitioners for future generations.