Reshaping international development thinking through a Pasifika lens
At Tetra Tech International Development, we have a deep commitment to understanding and integrating Pasifika philosophies into our organisational culture and ways of working. As we continue to transform our ways of knowing, being and doing, a number of our senior leaders recently participated in the transformative Pasifika Philosophies “Whole of Life” Course at the Pacific Theological College (PTC) in Suva, Fiji.
Amy Gildea, our Managing Director, and Rosanna Maualaivao MacDonald, our Regional Pacific Director were among those who participated in the transformative course, coordinated by the College’s Principal, Reverand Professor Dr Upolu Luma Vaai.
Designed to critically analyse and reshape conventional international development thinking through a Pasifika lens, the course focuses on creating a resilient, holistic development consciousness, grounded in the community-based models of the Pacific.
These teachings are crucial for leaders like Amy and Rosanna, guiding and serving our people, our communities and our planet.
Amy reflected that, it had been an incredibly and radically transformative two weeks. That the course, the Professors, the content, everything has been world class. Reverend Professor Upolu Vaai from PTC and Professor Manulani Meyer from the University of Hawai’i, in particular, have both been incredible mentors.
“As a Palagi, I think of how learning all of these philosophies can raise our consciousness, of how I can take that back to my community, to my colleagues, and really help drive that changing narrative of how we approach development – so it’s done in a more authentic way. One that is driven through vanua and traditional Pasifika values.”
The Pasifika Philosophies “Whole of Life” Course at the Pacific Theological College (PTC) was held in Suva, Fiji.
Engagement and understanding of the Pasifika voice
A Samoan by birth, Rosanna was born and raised in New Zealand and returned to Samoa in her early teenage years. She said the course was profound and immensely valuable.
“It was intense, thought provoking, confronting, and validating of my existence,” Rosanna said.
A Samoan by birth, Rosanna was born and raised in New Zealand and returned to Samoa in her early teenage years.
“As we immersed ourselves in the relational philosophies, knowledges and epistemologies; and how this has shaped the development in the Pasifika communities, it was clear that there is a need for ongoing cultural competency and intelligence with a genuine commitment to work with the Pasifika people as equals.
“Understanding the core concepts, principles and histories that allow for deep collaboration, meaningful engagement and understanding of the Pasifika voice is essential for life-changing transformation for the Pasifika people and planet.
“It is important to look at how we see ourselves in relation to our surroundings and the world – to shift one’s mindset to understand and embrace the Pasifika ‘whole of life’ philosophies, ethics and spiritualities. Proof of our existence is relationality.
“The Pasifika ‘whole of life’ and philosophies course embodied the importance of relationships, understanding, forgiveness, and authenticity, with LOVE as the driving force in all that we do,” Rosanna said.
Amy and Rosanna found the course transformative.
Impactful and aligned development projects across the Pacific
Amy also said the philosophical perspectives and experiences resonated deeply.
“There were so many valuable learnings, but if I must pick one, it is based on Aloha, and everything that flows from that. Everything comes from love, and is infused with vanua, the love for land – that connection with people, animals, the spirit world. When we love ourselves, we can love others. This is what really drives our purpose going forward.”
As Tetra Tech International Development continues to lead humanitarian and development projects, the insights gained from the Pasifika Philosophies course are invaluable. They not only enrich our culture as an organisation, but ensure that development projects throughout the Pacific region are conducted in a way that is both impactful and aligned to the cultural traditions and values of the local communities they are designed to serve.
Read more about the valuable work Tetra Tech International is involved in across the Pacific.
