Strengthening Youth Connection to Lead With Purpose - Atafa Retreat 2025

Leadership begins with relationships — and that was the heart of the Atafa o le Moana youth retreat. Sixteen young Pacific leaders gathered for a weekend of reflection, laughter, and bonding, creating space to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the shared purpose that brings them together.

The retreat wasn’t about workshops or lectures; it was about whakawhanaungatanga — building and nurturing relationships. For Tapasā, this is at the core of leadership. Before we can serve our communities or stand for others, we must first learn how to listen, to trust, and to be present with one another. The Matai cannot act without the consent of the village. Through moments of talanoa, creativity, and play, the group deepened their sense of belonging and strengthened the vā that ties them together.

The day unfolded with the kind of energy that only comes when people feel seen and safe. There was laughter, storytelling, music, and quiet moments of reflection. The highlight was a creative workshop led by Taualofa from Filemu Zine, who guided the youth through zine-making as a form of expression, advocacy and storytelling. Each young person crafted their own pages - blending words, drawings, and cut outs and cultural symbols to tell their stories of identity, resilience, and hope. It became a gentle reminder that advocacy doesn’t always happen in front of a crowd; sometimes it begins on a single piece of paper in a circle of people who care about you.

As the sun set on the Atafa o le Moana retreat, it was clear this was more than a weekend away — it was the weaving together of stories, trust, and shared purpose. All left with a renewed sense of connection; to their peers, their purpose, and their culture. The retreat reminded everyone that leadership in the Pacific isn’t just about leading projects or sitting at tables; it’s about understanding the people beside you, caring for your community, and walking forward together. Each conversation, laugh, and moment of reflection strengthened the foundations of leadership these young people are already building.

Atafa o le Moana is a youth leadership movement under Tapasā – Navigating Futures, created to nurture the next generation of Pacific changemakers. The name Atafa comes from the frigate bird — a Pacific navigator that soars far but always finds its way home. Guided by this symbolism, the programme helps young people explore leadership, advocacy, and systems change through the lens of culture, identity, and community.

Grounded in Pacific values and Indigenous wisdom, Atafa o le Moana reminds us that leadership is not about position or power — it’s about connection, care, and courage. These young leaders are learning that to move forward, they must first move together.