PUBLISHED MARCH 2024
McAuley and First Foundation empower a generation of leaders
In 2023, five scholars from McAuley High School were awarded First Foundation scholarships
The school has become a doorway to opportunity for young women, and their students Sulieti Tava and Shahzadia Dean were among the first to receive a scholarship back in 1999, when the programme first launched. Since then, the transformative First Foundation programme has helped more than 50 talented students realise the promise of brighter futures—the most of any school in the programme’s history.
As Jan Waelen, Principal of McAuley High School, says, “Our focus will always be on empowering our students. The First Foundation Scholarship aligns perfectly with our mission—to enable young people to rise above the barriers of poverty and achieve their potential.”
First Foundation’s holistic approach recognises the complex challenges young people face when they’re the first in their families to attend university. This comprehensive support ensures that scholars not only excel academically but also navigate the transition to tertiary education successfully.
A generation of impact at McAuley
At McAuley High School, it’s clear that the effects of the First Foundation Scholarship extend far beyond each scholar. Those who go through the programme become role models within their communities, inspiring others to dream big. They break the cycle of poverty, proving that education is the key to unlocking opportunities. As they succeed, the impact reaches further and further. After 25 years, First Foundation has impacted a generation.
Ana Fukofuka is another McAuley student who pursued her dream of earning a Bachelor of Nursing with the support of First Foundation. Once she’d established her career, like Shanna, she returned to give back, but as a mentor.
“I cannot express enough how fortunate I was to have a mentor-mentee relationship through First Foundation.
“I saw the difference First Foundation made to the lives of students in the programme: the joyful moments and excitement for the students’ families and watching students’ younger siblings get inspired by what they were doing.”
Ana Fukofuka is both an alumna and mentor at First Foundation
Success builds upon itself
As Jan Waelen, Principal of McAuley High School, “McAuley is a fantastic school and is doing a wonderful job of educating our young women . . . my focus is that we continue to have high expectations of them so they can go out into the world, making a difference.”
“It’s also ensuring there’s equity in education, making sure we’re equipping the students to be able to hold their place in the community and that they aren’t disadvantaged,” she said.
The students who have come through the programme are now shaping the world for others who’ll follow. The next generation will be able to see more leaders who look like themselves, share their values and understand their cultures.
“So, to the supporters of First Foundation, know that your investment is not just in individual scholars; it’s an investment in a brighter future for our entire community. Together, we create a legacy of empowerment—one scholar at a time”.
McAuley scholar stories
Talioaiga Luamanuvae from McAuley High talks about her journey with First Foundation.
Watch her video here.
Roseanne Laupepe talks about how her experience as a First Foundation scholar supported her career as a Biomedical Engineer and manager. Read her full story here.
