1,721,013 research outputs found
Connecting and collaborating across Oceania and its diaspora: A shared approach to meaningful development and engagement
No full textThrough this short, critical piece, I, as someone who comes from an Indigenous Pacific heritage, aim to challenge the way in which mainstream society positions societal problems as siloed, isolated from a structural, collective understanding of societal problems generally evident in Indigenous epistemologies. I suggest that by using an anti-oppressive social work practice approach where power imbalances are examined and understood within a wider context, we, as a Pacific community, are better equipped to create strategies and solutions that are inclusive of those traditionally not included in the conversation for change. We need to promote the importance of creating a shared, collaborative stance on the social and welfare needs evident in the Pacific diaspora in Australia and to involve diverse voices including the voices of non-Pacific people genuinely wanting to assist our own cultural capital and growth in Western societies. This can positively influence the people with the power to make social change to share control of change-making processes and to create multiple discourses that reflect the cultural diversity of those working for justice; this will allow us to move beyond the traditional, individualistic rhetoric of ‘us and them’ to ‘we’
An introduction to sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing for Pacific social work
No full textThis chapter provides a range of terms including sex, sexuality, sexual health and sexual wellbeing. These terms mean different things to different people. It utilises the World Health Organisation definition of sexuality: sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. The chapter explains the definitions of sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing (SRH&W), specifically as they relate to Pacific peoples. It introduces SRH&W issues facing Pacific peoples, including cultural, social and religious influences. The chapter analyses how sexual and reproductive health is pivotal to social work practice. It shows how a Samoan practitioner works with Pacific young people in Aotearoa New ZealandIt considers social work practice and policy responses to sexual and reproductive health issues in the Pacific. The chapter also provides the importance of critical reflection to safe social work practice in sexual and reproductive health
Reach Music Video
No full textReach Music Video was developed organically from Pacific university students wanting to share their insights on the joy, hard work and effort required when undertaking further education and training. Originally created by Lisa Felila, and inspired by the experience of Halaivalu Lavulo, the lyrics and music reflect a deep-seated commitment to achieve which can benefit both an individual, and their wider family. Characterised by elements of gospel music, the track utilises a strong melodic line, complemented by soulful harmonies. A chorus line that reiterates a passionate message further enhances this approach. Video can be accessed via: http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/pathe/pathe/reach_music_vide
PATHE interview #3: Alan Alaalatoa
No full textAllan Alaalatoa - 1st Year Uni student talks with PATHE about his journey into higher education and his involvement in balancing other important commitments, including sport. Video can be accessed via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q00gznIzA5
Critical Reflections on Blackness/Blakness and the Whiteness of Coloniality in the Pacific
No full textIt is in Blackness/Blakness that Whiteness is made real. This is not a unique thought and is certainly situated in broader conversations of critical race theory. This chapter is not a claim to uniqueness but a claim to perspective, one that is not often provided a space to be discussed, analyzed, critiqued, and one which can always be improved. The current perspective emerges from within a story of Black/Blak Pasifika and its entanglements with coloniality, against a Whiteness of coloniality that has been shaped through various experiences. The chapter brings together over 10 years of critical informal discussions between a group of four, female and male, early academic Black/Blak Pasifika researchers. Thesedialogues– from the researchers’ undergraduate to postgraduate experiences to early professional life– are raised to closely demonstrate a collective response to pervasive Whiteness. If “whiteness” in an academic, institutional setting is characterized by objectivity, individualism, competition, and color-blindness, then the authors argue that the creation of “Onetalk– a Black Writers Crew” was, and still is, a specific strategy of subversion against these values: they celebrated achievements collectively, recognized the value of their own subjectivities, downplayed competition, and asserted themselves as researchers of color. Therefore, Onetalk is frequently referred to as a “safe space” since, faced with the option of either distancing themselves from the academy or submitting to it, this was how they were able to retain their sense of Black/Blak identity while participating within the mainstream of Whiteness. The entanglements between being Black/Blak in Papua New Guinea and Black/Blak in Australia have many intersections. The sharing and learnings between experiences provide a basis for shaping the future of Black/Black Pasifika early career academics. The journey speaks not to attainment, but it speaks to moments of becoming over time, with an understanding that “becoming” is a project that is open-ended and, in a sense, unbounded
PATHE Interview #1: Tofiga Fepulea'i (The Laughing Samoans)
No full textWe catch up with Tofiga Fepulea'i (The Laughing Samoans) to talk about his experience with education, and the importance this can play on who we are as Pacific people. Video can be accessed via: https://youtu.be/PC7PFCxdbg
PATHE Interview #4: Itu Taito
No full textItu Taito - B.Arts / B.Law / B.Sociology (Honours) talks openly about growing up Pacific in rural NSW, whilst journeying through Education & other life commitments - including music. Video can be accessed via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3A0h8ZbaS
Developing Diversity Awareness and Practices in the National Rugby League (NRL): Progressive Player Participation and Club Collaborations
No full textIn 2010 when Timanu Tahu voluntarily left the NSW State of Origin camp days before the second of three games due to racial taunts, sporting organisations and fans alike were outraged (Kogoy & Read 2010). Outraged by the lack of tolerance a professional staff member and former NRL player showed towards the individual who the comment was directed about, and the lack of tactfulness in thinking such racial taunts would be accepted and not challenged. Sport should provide scope for people to feel included, as it promotes the opportunity for teams to compete, and create a sense of unity from where they are from. In contrast, Rugby League’s history is grounded in progressive inclusivity, recruiting diverse players in its appeal to its respective working class audience (Collins 1998)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconnection Project Evaluation Report
No full textThe Australian Museum, in partnership with The Street University Mount Druitt, Fairfield Museum, Juvenile Justice (Cobham and Juniperina centres) and ICE (Information and Cultural Exchange) Parramatta, facilitated the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconnection Project from 2014 to 2015, which sought to address the potential link between the overrepresentation of Aboriginal young people in Juvenile Justice alongside the possible cultural dislocation which may lead to a compromised sense of self identity. The project, which took place within the Museum and as outreach programs at Juvenile Justice centres, community centres and events, were held as one-day workshops/events or as a series of workshops spanning several weeks. They explored Aboriginal cultural expressions, such as dancing, painting, storytelling and music making, for young people to explore their Indigenous identity in a safe place; where questions could be asked of Indigenous and Pacific museum staff, and encouraged young people to inquire further into their own cultural identity with family and tribal group leaders. This report highlights the impact of this project upon facilitators of the project (Thelma Thomas and Chris Reid), participants (Aboriginal young people in the Juvenile Justice system, totaling 22 participants from 2014-2015) and stakeholders (Juniperina, Cobham, Street University and ICE). These reflections took the form of interviews with the facilitators and stakeholders in person or via email, and surveys and personal reflections by student participants. Important themes emerged from all three groups, which are reflected in this report. The final section considers the highlights of the program and recommendations from all groups, and how the project’s impact can be increased in future manifestations of the project
The development of anti-social behaviour in Pacific youth
No full textYou’re not different until someone treats you that way. It is with this reflection in mind that the research completed across the doctoral candidature concentrates on working effectively with diversity from socio-economic, socio-cultural, and the socio-political realm in an Australian context. An examination of how this then impacts across levels in various systems, including statutory and non government agencies, reveals ongoing deficits in responsiveness and competency. Individual needs are being neglected, whilst the opportunities to personally develop skills that enable class mobility, development of positive self-identity, and overall resiliency in negotiating an appropriate outcome are limited. Young offenders are treated differently predominantly as marginalised members of the community, with many social and welfare issues that perpetuate their cycle of disadvantage and negative contact with the legal system. It is within these differences, when contrasted against social risk and protective factors, that the ability to move beyond such problems becomes more of a challenge, than a reality. Pacific youth are treated differently as members of a communally-oriented ethnic population, noted for their lack of engagement with teachers, aggressive behaviours across the community, and damaging consumption of alcohol in public places. How they compare differently with other cultural groups may provide evidence that assists in understanding whether cultural elements deter pro-social behaviour, or a lack of connectivity amongst educators, law enforcers, and family. The ability to treat the needs of young offenders should be approached in a collaborative manner, catering for the range of diverse needs through a holistic psychosocial case management model. By recognising existing strengths, and reviewing solutions across 13 life domains, young Pacific offenders are provided with pathways away from anti-social behaviour. As a community composed of individuals and organisations, we ought to interact and treat differences in a manner that encourages strategic responses conducive to positive change. The development of individual, community and organisational capacity across these three specific areas is an important process of promoting movement for the betterment of those involved. Equitable change can occur through systems that encourage a responsiveness to diversity as part of a process that assists individuals in feeling included. Overall, the interest for embarking on this research was sparked by the quest to demonstrate to and give marginalised and minority youth a voice and platform to be represented in a manner that hopefully provides insight into shared experiences. This research explores the need for innovative thinking to resolve ongoing social, welfare, economic, psychological, physical, mental and emotional needs, while illustrating how these differences, when acknowledged and appreciated, can be used to create positive change
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