Pasifika Research Community UK

18/08/2026

Meet our Campus Ambassador for the Week, Pato Lydia!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Lydia Pato is an undergraduate student of Social Work and Political Science at the University of Papua New Guinea, where she has experience in student leadership and advocacy, including serving as Secretary of the UPNG Disability Students Union (2025) and the Social Work Students Association (2023). She is a founding executive of Visionary Tribe, a youth-led initiative focused on human rights and civic education, and has participated in regional and international programmes, including the AWA Advocacy Institute. Her interests include youth participation, student representation, human rights, and inclusive education.

Through the CSA Campus Ambassadors Programme, she hopes to advocate for student inclusivity through participation and civic education, and to help young people strengthen their ability to contribute to positive change in their communities.

12/08/2026

Co-directed by Gavin FitzGerald and Vea Mafile'o, LOMU strips away the myth of the unstoppable All Black to explore identity, cultural legacy, and the raw humanity of a gentle giant carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Watch the official UK trailer for a preview of the deeply human story behind the rugby icon:

https://youtu.be/Nr269SpPvfI?si=KWdfUVbuxxstSsVi

You can book tickets to watch the first screening at the Power Station in London, on Thursday 3 September, here: https://www.thecinemainthepowerstation.com/film/lomu

LOMU is a complex and nuanced portrait of Jonah Lomu, the most ador...

11/08/2026

Congratulations to Maryanne Vunisarati, incoming Pasifika scholar from Tuvalu 🇹🇻

Welcome to Scotland 🙌🏽

Congratulations to Maryanne Vunisarati, our successful Chevening scholar from Tuvalu !

This September, Maryanne will travel to the UK to begin her MSc in Project Management and Innovation at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.

We wish her all the very best for this exciting new chapter and every success in her studies.

11/08/2026

More congratulatory announcements for our incoming international Pasifika scholars 🙌🏽

Congratulations to Chevening scholar 2026-2027 Vanessa Teutao from the Solomon Islands 🇸🇧

📣𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥!!🎉🎆

It's that time of the year to congratulate our 2026-2027 Chevening Scholars!

Congratulations to our first Vanessa Erleen Teutao on being !

Vanessa described the moment she received the news below:👇

"Being awarded a Chevening Scholarship is both an incredible honour and a powerful reminder of what is possible when ambition is anchored in purpose.

"My journey has been shaped by a deep belief in the potential of Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific, and by a commitment to contributing to development that is inclusive, locally grounded and driven by strong leadership. Through Chevening, I will pursue an MSc in Politics and International Relations at SOAS University of London, where I hope to deepen my knowledge, broaden my perspective and learn alongside people from around the world who are equally committed to creating meaningful change.

"I carry with me the experiences, aspirations and resilience of home. I hope this journey encourages other young Solomon Islanders - especially young women - to pursue opportunities boldly, take their place in spaces where decisions are made, and recognise that our Pacific perspectives have something important to contribute to the world.

"For me, this scholarship is not simply about where I am going, but what I will bring home: stronger skills, wider networks, fresh ideas and an even greater commitment to serving Solomon Islands and contributing to a stronger Pacific."

Chevening applications for 2027-28 are open. Head here to apply today: chevening.org/apply



UK in Fiji UK in Samoa UK in Tonga UK in Vanuatu UK in PNG - British High Commission, Port Moresby UK in New Zealand UK in Australia - British High Commission, Canberra Chevening Awards (FCDO) Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

06/08/2026

Congratulations to incoming Pasifika Chevening scholar, Cadinia from Tonga 🇹🇴

-27

🌟🇹🇴 Chevening Scholar Spotlight: Cadinia Funganitao 🇬🇧🎓

"I give all glory to God for this opportunity." 🙏✨

Cadinia Funganitao is preparing to embark on an exciting journey as a Chevening Scholar, where she will pursue an LLM in Energy and Climate Change Law at Queen Mary University of London. ⚖️🌍🌱

Driven by a passion for climate action, sustainable development, and the future of the Pacific, Cadinia hopes to deepen her expertise and contribute to strengthening climate and energy policies for Tonga and the region. 🇹🇴🌊

What excites her most about studying in the UK? 🇬🇧🌍

✅ Joining the global Chevening network
✅ Connecting with leaders from around the world
✅ Learning from diverse cultures, ideas, and perspectives
✅ Building lifelong friendships and partnerships

Her advice to future applicants:

💭 "Be genuine, trust your story, and apply with confidence. Chevening can open doors, broaden your perspective, and connect you to an inspiring global community. Take that first step and apply!" 🚀✨

Congratulations, Cadinia! Wishing you every success as you proudly represent Tonga on the global stage. 🇹🇴👏🎉

🔗 Learn more about Chevening Scholarships 🌟

🌺✨

05/08/2026

Loading the next cohort of our international Pasifika scholars....

Congratulations to incoming Chevening scholar, Supiesi from Tonga 🇹🇴

🌟🇹🇴 Chevening Scholar Spotlight: Mrs Supiesi Halafihi 🇬🇧🎓

"I am living an answered prayer." 🙏✨

From Mata'aho Kindergarten to Queen Mary University of London, Mrs Supiesi Halafihi is embarking on an incredible journey as a Chevening Scholar, where she will pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights Law. 📚⚖️

Driven by a passion for education, human rights, and positive change, Supiesi hopes to use her studies to help strengthen education policy and create better opportunities for future generations in Tonga.

What excites her most about studying in the UK? 🇬🇧🌍
✅ Joining the global Chevening network
✅ Meeting people from around the world
✅ Learning from diverse cultures and perspectives

Her advice to future applicants:
💭 "With God, anything is possible. Don't let failure discourage you. Your story is unique, and if it's a risk... TAKE THAT RISK AND APPLY!" 🚀✨ https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/

Congratulations, Supiesi! We wish you every success as you represent Tonga on the global stage. 🇹🇴👏🎉

🇹🇴🇬🇧📖✨

14/07/2026

Too good UK in Samoa 🇼🇸

Love the shirts, are you selling them?!! Asking for lots of friends 😍

29/06/2026

🎓Congratulations to all our Pasifika students graduating across the UK!

Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this incredible milestone. You carry not only your own dreams but the hopes and pride of your families, communities, and islands.

Wishing you every success as you take your next steps. We are so proud of you!🌺

19/06/2026

Congratulations to Fiji Chevening Scholar Avaneesh Raman on receiving the Bronze Award (25+ hours) at the Chevening Volunteering Awards!

23/05/2026

📢𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒋𝒐𝒊𝒏 𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚 24 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒕 8𝒑𝒎, 𝒐𝒏 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑾𝒆𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓, 𝑴𝒓. 𝑻𝒖𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂 𝑷𝒂𝒆𝒂. 𝑺𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆!!

📌Join us this Sunday 24/5 to hear from the Head of ICT Data and Analytics at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London -- Mr. Tuamelie He Lotu Paea -- who will speak on his unique educational and career journey and the trends to watch in the digital landscape and what it could mean for our Pacific region.

There will also be an open Q&A after the speaker's session.

It’s a great chance to learn more about his work, ask questions, and connect with other Pasifika students, and professionals across the UK, as well as our alumni across the globe!