In the Samoan language, Sa’ ili means ‘to seek out’. In this context, Sa’ ili le ala means ‘discovery path’.
The Sa’ ili Le Ala Discovery Sprints is a unique educational opportunity for Pasifika youth across Australia to develop life skills, promote inclusion and build community resilience.
Running discovery sprints
Teams working in animation and film, education, design and psychology at Swinburne University partnered with the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) and the National Rugby League (NRL) to develop three Discovery Sprints. The 4-day Sprints introduce Pasifika youth to university through the creative industries.
The Sprints inspire and support Pasifika youth to undertake higher education to develop knowledge and skills that lead to 21st-century careers. Young people participate in creative pursuits in disciplines including animation, communication design, live action and exhibition design.
The final exhibition (Day 4 of Sprint 3) wraps up the three Discovery Sprints. Fully realised outcomes are on display, including NRL jerseys, footballs, flickbooks, tram designs, animations and videos, as well as documentation of the design process.
In collaboration with
Outcomes
Students participated in a range of activities in each Discovery Sprint. Some activities were completed during the Sprints, others required further development and refinement before final production. The outcomes from the Sprints were:
Our Impact
Pasifika youths are open to university as an option.
After experiencing the Discovery Sprints, many participants decided they would like to go to university. Siaki said, ‘I will look at Swinburne as an option in the future’.
100
+
Pasifika Youth participated
Over 100 participated in at least one Discovery Sprint. Junior described the Sprints as a ‘successful event and something new for islanders to interact with and meet others’.
98
%
Of students enjoyed their experience.
Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive: Lavante stated, ‘It helped me open up and create bonds with people’. Sheyanna said they allowed her ‘to connect in an educational way with other Polynesian people and express myself through something I like to do and can keep’.
