Bridging cultures and continents: Le Va hosts Welsh youth and violence prevention delegation

At the end of October, Le Va held a traditional Samoan ‘ava ceremony to warmly welcome 16 visiting professionals and young people working in violence prevention initiatives in Wales.

The Welsh delegation represented Plan International UK, Her Voice Wales, Vale of Glamorgan Council, Greenhill School, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Youth.

The delegates came to learn about the work being done in the violence prevention sector here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Their visit came about after She Is Not Your Rehab founder, Matt Brown, visited Wales last year.

Dr Elizabeth Mati, Le Va’s general manager, shared about Atu-Mai’s spearhead nationwide violence prevention programme with its focus on Pasifika youth and their families.

Le Va senior manager Paul Tupou-Vea spoke about Atu-Mai’s current community mobilisation approach to sexual violence prevention.

“It was great to share insights about our important work and hear from our visitors. The group are doing some amazing work in Wales, and it was really encouraging to see how involved young people are,” he said.

Youth delegates from Greenhill School felt moved by the conversations and the safe environment created.

One student said, “The group had an incredible day with a really moving emotive day. Thank you, Le Va, for sharing space with us and we look forward to working with you in the future.”

With the support of ACC, Le Va’s Atu-Mai team was glad to share space to enable the exchange of knowledge and insights into violence prevention work with each group’s respective communities.

For Le Va’s learning and evaluation lead, Hidoria Onesemo-Tuilaepa, the visit was uplifting.

“I left our engagement with the Welsh delegates feeling inspired by the various initiatives and projects they are facilitating, especially by the youth! Also inspiring how the Welsh Government has invested in the prioritisation of primary prevention,” she said.

Le Va community engagement lead, Charles Lavea, said it was a prime opportunity to learn.

“It allowed me to connect with people from the other side of the world who share a deep passion for advocacy and community support in violence prevention. I am grateful for the opportunity to share knowledge and experience working in the prevention space.”

ACC’s Dr Hala Nasr reflected that the experience allowed her to learn professionally and fill her cup personally. She added that Charles’ conversation with the group about Atu-Mai’s Father’s Fono programme resonated strongly.

“(Charles) made such an impact on the two young men in the group – the mana and compassion you showed in the small interactions you had with them were so appreciated,” she said.

Wales Programme and Advocacy Manager, Anne-Marie Lawrence, said the group loved their time at Le Va.

“We did a reflection session with the young people before they left to fly home and some of them said the meeting with you was the highlight of the trip. I don’t think accolades come much higher than that,” she said.

“We learnt so much from you and we really enjoyed our time with you, the memories created from such a special day will stay with us for a lifetime. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”