MWT's Fiji Country Coordinator Joins Atlantic Fellowship for Social Equity in 2024!

We are thrilled to announce that Talei Caucau, the first Indigenous Fijian, has been selected to join the prestigious 2024 Cohort of Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity. This remarkable fellowship, geared toward Indigenous leaders and changemakers across the Pacific, is a significant honor for Talei and an exceptional recognition of her commitment to social change.

Talei's induction marks a groundbreaking moment for the program, as she joins another esteemed Melanesian indigenous fellow from Vanuatu. Both individuals bring an extraordinary wealth of experience, having collaborated extensively with Indigenous communities in various crucial sectors such as media, education, agriculture, health, law, and policy.

Driven by a profound dedication to creating sustainable and thriving villages in Fiji, Talei envisions a future where access to quality education and healthcare services is a reality for all. Her aspirations resonate deeply with her desire to preserve traditional Fijian practices and culture through comprehensive research. Moreover, she aims to navigate the legal sector, advocating for the protection and enhancement of Indigenous Fijians' living standards and livelihoods.

"My aspiration is to record traditional Fijian practices and culture through research. I also want to work in the legal sector to safeguard and enhance the living standards and livelihoods of Indigenous Fijians. For example, through building on legislation and policies to protect our land and extend our goligoli (Indigenous fishing areas) to traditionally recognised boundaries."

The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) has announced a total of 18 new Fellows who are set to embark on a transformative journey in social change leadership, guided by Indigenous perspectives. These remarkable Fellows, comprising 11 based in Australia, 5 in Aotearoa, and now, for the first time, 1 in Fiji and 1 in Vanuatu, bring a wealth of experience and expertise in collaborating with Indigenous communities across the Pacific.

Their upcoming foundation year of postgraduate study at the University of Melbourne will serve as a launchpad for the development of an Indigenous-focused social change project. This project will be a testament to their dedication, knowledge, and commitment to fostering meaningful social change rooted in Indigenous values.

For more information on the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity and the 2024 cohort, visit socialequity.atlanticfellows.org/fellows.

We congratulate Talei Caucau and her fellow Fellows and eagerly anticipate the incredible impact they will make through their journey of learning, growth, and positive change.

(Source: https://www.socialequity.atlanticfellows.org/fellows)

Picture Credit Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity