Most of our TLFF students lack the academic guidance and assistance that others get from their parents or siblings; they know very few people in their village, if any, who have studied beyond college, and often find themselves among the very few students pursuing tertiary education.
Recognising the need for wrap-around support, Afamasaga Ramona Su'a Pale Gilchrist, one of the founders of Return to Paradise and her daughter Mel, a trustee of TLFF, have been key in developing and delivering fortnightly support sessions.
These sessions focus on setting goals, approaching studies, and thinking about the future and where they would like to be employed once they have completed their studies.
In addition, the support sessions facilitate discussions and the opportunity to provide practical advice on gaining part-time employment to support their studies and families, technical support, and above all a forum for sharing their experiences and creating a strong network amongst themselves.
Many of our supporters have met with the students in this forum, sharing their own experiences and journeys, their challenges, and motivation for studying. Please let us know if you would like to come along and meet the students one Saturday morning – they would love to meet you!