Academic achievement on a journey to wellbeing
Alofa Leilua was able to overcome ongoing mental health challenges to become a thriving tertiary student, with help from Vaka Tautua’s Community Support Services in West Auckland.
Alofa Leilua, successful student.
When Alofa was first referred to Vaka Tautua for mental health support, she was unsure about what the future would hold and was nervous about reconnecting with her community. Coming from a successful career as a peer support worker and working for a law firm, her illness had shaken Alofa’s confidence.
With help from Argentina Fatialofa – Team Leader for Vaka Tautua’s Community and Peer Support Services – Alofa steadily rebuilt her self-esteem and reignited her passion for study. Argentina introduced Alofa to the many opportunities open to her, and encouraged her to take advantage of free workshops and courses. A visit to Te Wananga o Aotearoa inspired Alofa to enrol in their NZ Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology).
Studying through the COVID era was challenging – Alofa didn’t have access to the right technology at first, and staying motivated and keeping up with assignments was difficult at times. However, she persevered and passed with flying colours. Alofa went on to complete the NZ Certificate in Personal Financial Capability & Financial Services, and then a Manaaki Tāngata Certificate in Bicultural Social Services.
Nothing could stop Alofa now, and her next step was to enrol in a Bachelor of Social Practice at Unitec Institute of Technology. Completing the four-year degree will enable Alofa to work with her community in the future, using her own lived experience and journey to mental wellbeing to make a difference in the lives of others.
Alofa’s academic achievements were possible because of her commitment to her own recovery, relearning life skills, reconnecting with family and the community, and regaining her confidence. Having supported Alofa to get the tools and strategies she needed to thrive, Argentina and our Community Support Services team are proud of Alofa’s achievements, and celebrate her amazing success.
Alofa says, “We all need support from time to time. I am grateful to Argentina for helping and supporting me to find myself again at my own pace. Thank you Argentina and Vaka Tautua for being there and allowing me to grow and become my best self. I look forward to the next chapter in my life. Fa'afetai tele lava.”
Vaka Tautua’s Community Support Services form part of our wider Ola Fiafia mental health and wellbeing support services, helping people who experience mental illness to recover and integrate successfully back into the community.
Find out more about our Community Support Services.