LEAD program

LEAD Conference

Held at Griffith University Logan campus, the conference focuses on Year 10 Pacific Island and Māori students from our partner schools. For some, it is an opportunity to visit a university campus for the first time. This intensive full-day experience is comprised of interactive activities to raise awareness about university and pathway options, and support personal growth and aspirations for tertiary education.

Participant feedback

"I've become more in touch with my culture and really learnt to extend barriers and stepping out of my comfort zone and also meeting new people.”

- Student

"The students gained a time for belonging to and sharing immense pride in who they are - both as a pacifica community and even more importantly the power of their own gifts, talents etc."

- Teacher

"Students had opportunities to progress beyond their initial stigmas whether that be cultural or academic ability."

- Mentor

"Attending LEAD helped me gain understanding and knowledge of what it really means to lead! You cannot be a leader if you do not believe in yourself."

- Student

I think this camp is invaluable in providing a bridge between school and university for Polynesian students. I think I have learned a lot as a non-Pacific Island teacher that will help me get the best outcomes for Pacific Island students."

- Teacher

Inspiring mentors

Alberto Meleisea (pictured) started a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith in 2015. Alberto overcame a number of challenges to get to uni and now works to support other students from similar backgrounds to realise their dreams.

A humble upbringing

When I was growing up my single Mum made a lot of sacrifices to ensure that my younger brother and I had a roof over our head and that we had the opportunity to receive an education. In my youth I witnessed first-hand the dissatisfaction of a lot of Pacific Islander families with their jobs which were mostly factory work. The majority of them did not enjoy their work which was repetitive and had no future prospects of improvement.

This experience gave me the motivation to ensure that I valued my education and to choose a pathway that will lead me to a career that I will be passionate about.

The journey and the challenges

I graduated from Woodridge State High School where I was School Captain in 2014. I got into Griffith University through guaranteed entry and my first big concern was to be able to pay the fees of my first year. As a NZ citizen I am not eligible to defer my tuition fees or receive Centrelink. I do make it work through part-time work and planning.

My other big concern has been a fear of failing and disappointing my family as so many sacrifices had been made to allow me this opportunity to be the first person ever in my family to go to uni. Because I am the first in my family to go to uni, I had no one I could seek advice from and had to learn to adapt to the uni by myself.

LEAD participation

My experiences from my journey to Griffith University were insightful and participating in LEAD (Legacy, Education, Achievement, Dream) has given me the opportunity to help other Pacific Islander students and provide them support. I have been heavily involved in mentoring LEAD Camps and the LEAD Conference. Being a mentor has allowed me to share my experiences and play my part to help new students navigate through the challenges of being at university and inspire them to look at what is possible ahead.

Future and Aspirations

Early on psychology caught my interest and then the law because I had a teacher who made the subject interesting and I just have a knack for persuasion. I am passionate about studying law and my goal is to one day become a family lawyer in the Logan area or to be a police prosecutor. Either way I am excited to be able to take this journey.