Helping Pasifika Mums Into Work: Kumi’s Story of Confidence and Career Growth

Finding a job that fits your values, lifestyle, and aspirations can be tough. For Kumi, a proud Samoan mother of seven children, it often felt nearly impossible. Facing rejection after rejection, juggling family responsibilities, and speaking English as a second language, she struggled to feel confident in the job market.

“It’s very hard… going to interviews, getting rejected, and trying to find something that really resonates with what you want to do,” she shares.

But things changed when Kumi joined Zeducation’s Voyage to Success Programme—a powerful employment readiness journey funded by the Ministry of Social Development and designed specifically to help Pasifika individuals break through employment barriers in the tech, healthcare, and social services sectors.

A Programme Rooted in Purpose

Voyage to Success isn’t just a course—it’s a community. This 10-week programme is followed by 6 months of pastoral care, where participants receive ongoing 1-on-1 support from Zeducation’s facilitators to help them overcome personal challenges and stay focused on their employment journey.

Throughout the programme, Kumi and others learned how to build strong CVs and cover letters, present with confidence, use Microsoft Office and AI tools like ChatGPT, and refine their LinkedIn profiles. But what stood out most was the way the group lifted each other up.

“We’re all going through the same thing,” Kumi says. “It made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”

In each session, participants got to share stories, challenges, and goals—forming bonds that turned into lasting friendships.

“This course taught me how to be confident in my own skin,” Kumi says. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from—even if you didn’t go to university. If you believe in yourself, you can do anything. The world is your oyster.”

Kumi has done other courses before—but none like this one.

“This is the most valuable. The most amazing one.”

Through Voyage to Success, she found her voice, her confidence, and a supportive network cheering her on.

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About the Voyage to Success Programme

Vision: Empowering Pasifika individuals to achieve sustainable careers and contribute to thriving communities. Mission: Provide comprehensive training and support to help Pasifika find and retain employment in tech, healthcare, and social services.

Programme Highlights:

• 10-week immersive course followed by 6 months of pastoral care

• 1-on-1 coaching to support personal and career goals

• Career planning, CV & cover letter development

• LinkedIn and job search strategies

• Digital skills training including Microsoft Office & AI (ChatGPT)

• Supportive peer community to grow, connect, and make lasting friendships

It’s not just about finding a job. It’s about building a future—with people who believe in you. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Social Development, Zeducation continues to help Pasifika individuals like Kumi unlock confidence and create sustainable success.