From the Farm to the City: Simone’s Journey to Confidence and Career Clarity
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
When Simone Uhatafi moved from the farmlands to the bustling city of Auckland, he quickly realised that the job landscape was very different from what he was used to.
“Back home, I worked in farming. But when I got here, there’s no farms in Auckland—it’s office or factory jobs. I needed to adapt my knowledge,” he shared.
Like many Pasifika families, Simone carries the weight of not only his own future but also the responsibility to support his parents and grandfather. Financial hardship became a driving force behind his motivation to find stable employment.
A TikTok That Changed Everything
One day, scrolling through TikTok, Simone stumbled upon a video about the Voyage to Success programme by Zeducation. The message struck a chord with him.
“The way they talked in the video—I was like, yeah, sweet, I’ll give it a go.”
That moment sparked a journey of personal growth and practical learning. Enrolling in the programme turned out to be more than just a pathway to employment—it was a turning point in how Simone saw himself and his future.
Learning What School Never Taught
Through Voyage to Success, Simone discovered things he had never been taught before—like how to tailor a CV for different job types, and how employment law protects him in the workplace.
“I didn’t know there’s such a thing as a different CV for a warehouse job and for an office job. I was just sending the same CV to every job.”
That small but powerful lesson opened his eyes and shifted his entire approach to job hunting. More importantly, he learned how to be confident—something he hadn’t always felt in unfamiliar environments.
“Now I know my rights in the workplace. And I’ve learned to be confident in myself—for who I am.”
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A Supportive Learning Environment
What stood out to Simone most wasn’t just the content—it was the community.
“I feel like I’m surrounded by good people. The teachers are awesome and friendly. They don’t judge you. Everyone there lifts you up.”
In an environment where judgment was replaced with encouragement, Simone found a safe space to grow, ask questions, and reshape his mindset.
Looking Ahead
With a tailored CV, newfound knowledge, and a strong sense of self-belief, Simone is now equipped to navigate Auckland’s job market with purpose.
His journey reminds us that the right support, the right programme, and a little bit of confidence can open doors to new opportunities—and transform lives.
About Voyage to Success Zeducation’s Voyage to Success is a 10-week programme followed by 6-months pastoral care that empowers Pasifika individuals to overcome employment barriers, build confidence, and find sustainable careers. Participants receive one-on-one support, learn practical workplace skills, and gain the tools to stand out in a competitive job market. Learn more about The Voyage To Success Programme
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