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| E V E N T R E V I E W PASEFIKA MEN AGAINST VIOLENCE - USA TOUR 2009 by Pacifika Voice Staff |
Friday, October 23, 2009
LONG BEACH - The representatives from South Auckland, NZ have just concluded their
trip here in the United States. The group of 4 young men, consisting of Ala'imalo Lua
Maynard, George Malifa, Ian Katoa, and Tia Suemai toured the Bay Area, Los Angeles
County, and Las Vegas. The group presented to local high schools with a significant
Pacific Islander (PI) population, as well as the local community colleges and universities.
For the high school audience, there were several connections and similar challenges with
the PI youth in New Zealand and the PI youth here in America. For the community
activists, it was an inspiring and motivational event for some of their own work.
Ala'imalo Lua Maynard, the Health Promoter for RAP (Respect All People) put together a
formal powerpoint outlining some of the challenges and some of the strategies
implemented as a result of PI violence. His powerpoint presentation was followed by
testimonies from George Malifa and Ian Katoa. Their testimonies captured some of the
harsh realities for the predominantly college-leveled audience. George and Ian point out
some of the familial challenges they've had to overcome and their respective progression
with respect to academics and recruitment to the youth programs. Youth worker Tia
Suemai led these testimonials and integrated them with complimentary footage of the life
we're not accustomed to seeing in South Auckland. Finally, the audience was treated to a
compilation video of Pacific Islander leaders of the past to the leaders of the present.
This final video was a reminder that both New Zealand and the PI cousins across the
Pacific Ocean are working toward a common goal.
There were 2 popular reactions to the Pasefika Men Against Violence from those
fortunate enough to see their presentations:
(1) Implementations of these strategies for PI youth here in America
(2) Re-invigorating the community work and community activism here in America
Maynard is working toward starting a branch of their successful program here in the
United States. As for the rest of us, we anticipate their next visit in 2010 and hope that we
can all participate in this violence-prevention effort for a better PI tomorrow.
CHECK OUT A WORD FROM ALA'IMALO LUA MAYNARD
ALSO CHECK OUT THEIR DAILY 49er ARTICLE ON THEIR VISIT TO CSU LONG BEACH
LONG BEACH - The representatives from South Auckland, NZ have just concluded their
trip here in the United States. The group of 4 young men, consisting of Ala'imalo Lua
Maynard, George Malifa, Ian Katoa, and Tia Suemai toured the Bay Area, Los Angeles
County, and Las Vegas. The group presented to local high schools with a significant
Pacific Islander (PI) population, as well as the local community colleges and universities.
For the high school audience, there were several connections and similar challenges with
the PI youth in New Zealand and the PI youth here in America. For the community
activists, it was an inspiring and motivational event for some of their own work.
Ala'imalo Lua Maynard, the Health Promoter for RAP (Respect All People) put together a
formal powerpoint outlining some of the challenges and some of the strategies
implemented as a result of PI violence. His powerpoint presentation was followed by
testimonies from George Malifa and Ian Katoa. Their testimonies captured some of the
harsh realities for the predominantly college-leveled audience. George and Ian point out
some of the familial challenges they've had to overcome and their respective progression
with respect to academics and recruitment to the youth programs. Youth worker Tia
Suemai led these testimonials and integrated them with complimentary footage of the life
we're not accustomed to seeing in South Auckland. Finally, the audience was treated to a
compilation video of Pacific Islander leaders of the past to the leaders of the present.
This final video was a reminder that both New Zealand and the PI cousins across the
Pacific Ocean are working toward a common goal.
There were 2 popular reactions to the Pasefika Men Against Violence from those
fortunate enough to see their presentations:
(1) Implementations of these strategies for PI youth here in America
(2) Re-invigorating the community work and community activism here in America
Maynard is working toward starting a branch of their successful program here in the
United States. As for the rest of us, we anticipate their next visit in 2010 and hope that we
can all participate in this violence-prevention effort for a better PI tomorrow.
CHECK OUT A WORD FROM ALA'IMALO LUA MAYNARD
ALSO CHECK OUT THEIR DAILY 49er ARTICLE ON THEIR VISIT TO CSU LONG BEACH
| Pacifika Voice. 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved |
Ala'imalo Lua Maynard, Health
Promoter for RAP (Respect All
People) presents information on
the program implemented in
South Auckland for PI Violence
Amongst Males
Promoter for RAP (Respect All
People) presents information on
the program implemented in
South Auckland for PI Violence
Amongst Males
| Photograph Courtesy of Fa'aputu Va'afuti |
| R-L: George Malifa (Youth Leader), Tia Suemai (Youth Worker) & Ian Katoa (Youth Leader) Photograph courtesy of Victor Carter & Justin Eade |
| Bay Area Visit for Respect All People (RAP) Slideshow Courtesy of Francisco Da Costa |