Faiva Ora: Self-determination for Pasifika disability community

The 2024 round of Le Va’s Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund recently closed, allocating up to $10,000 each to community-based initiatives that will enhance access to disability support services and promote the wellbeing of Pasifika disabled people.

This year, Le Va received a record number of applications – the highest since the fund’s inception. We are elated to share the five incredible initiatives that have been selected for funding.

Congratulations to our 2024 recipients:

• Northland Pacific Islands Charitable Trust – Fale Pasifika Te Tai Tokerau
  Collaborating with NorthAble and Disability Support Services to raise awareness across Northland.

• ASD Dads
  Cultural sessions to support Dads with autistic kids. Weaving cultural values into parenting techniques.

• Vaini Doves Talanoa Kalapu
  Using Kava to enhance talanoa around stigma and discrimination for disabled people.

• Pacific Autism Support Group – PASG Canterbury
  Events to celebrate and promote awareness of neurodiversity across Canterbury.

• Kulupu Nasaleti
  Home visits with elderly people for cultural/clinical/spiritual care and talanoa sessions within branches of church community in Auckland.

These projects are set to make a strong and lasting impact, promoting empowerment and enhancing the wellbeing of Pasifika disabled people across the country.

About the fund

Le Va’s Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund was created to support Pasifika disabled people, their families and carers to access resources and support to lead fulfilling lives.

Each year, the fund allocates up to $10,000 to help Pasifika community groups that enhance community development and ensure the further wellbeing of Pasifika disabled people.

Le Va works in partnership with Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People to administer the fund and mobilise community groups to help Pacific people with disabilities to live life the way they choose and promote inclusion and acceptance.

The fund also prioritises initiatives that focus on meeting the needs of Pasifika young people and show collaboration with support services and community groups.

We are excited to see our successful Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund recipients breathe life into their initiatives in the coming year.

Learn more about Le Va’s Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund.