My Story, My Strength: Helping Young Samoan Women Into Work and Wellbeing

South Seas Healthcare has delivered the MyStory Employment Assistance Programme (MEAP), a 12-week pilot supported by Pasefika Proud and MSD to help tama’ita’i Samoa in South Auckland move into employment, training, or further education. 

The pilot exceeded expectations, with 25 registrations, 16 young women attending at least once, and a 56% completion rate. Most of those who stayed through to the end are now in employment or study. 

“Most of our girls are in employment now. If not employment, they’ve really found their way in terms of getting into a course. They’re starting to think about what they want to do, and we’re extremely proud of them,” says Project Lead Ana Vaiolingi Kivalu. 

MEAP is built on the MyStory framework developed by South Seas in 2017. It takes participants through three stages: Self, Us, and Now. 

“The Self is where they look at themselves, their strengths, their cultural identity. Us is when they connect with others through storytelling. And Now is the action part, when we challenge them to take what they’ve learned and use it in their lives.” 

Over 12 weeks, participants attended group workshops and one-on-one mentoring with Pacific employment mentors. Modules covered CV development, interview preparation, financial literacy, workplace communication, and employment rights. Support was also provided with first aid certificates, driver licensing, transport training, and access to English classes. 

For participants, the practical tools made a lasting difference. “The programme helped me with my CV and cover letter. It helped me gain confidence in myself and my work,” said one young woman. Another explained, “I was hoping to get a job and learn how to do a CV properly — this programme has helped me do that.” 

Mentors also worked closely to support individual life challenges. “Some of our young women were solo parents, new migrants, or raising children with disabilities. They needed someone to walk alongside them and remind them the future is still theirs to shape.” 

Support did not end at week 12. The programme included a four-week follow-up to make sure outcomes were sustainable. “We don’t just want them to get into a job, we want them to get into a job they like so they can stay in there longer,” says Ana. 

The women themselves spoke to the importance of the environment.  

“This programme made me feel comfortable and safe. I could share my story without feeling judged,” said one participant.  

Another reflected, “It has given me confidence to talk to people and not be shy. I now know the importance of having goals and working towards them.” 

The partnership with Pasefika Proud and MSD helped ensure the programme connected participants to the right resources.  

“They’ve been really helpful in terms of hearing if we have challenges, connecting us back to MSD, and making sure we’re aware of the support that already exists.” 

Looking ahead, South Seas hopes to continue and expand the programme. 

“We want to be able to create strategic partnerships with employers, so every young woman who comes through our door can walk out with a job. We’ve seen that the model works, and we want to keep providing it for our people.” 

For more information – Southseas Healthcare external