VOPIN remains dedicated to its mission of serving our youth and their families. We firmly believe that education is the great equalizer in a just society. Our Navigating Education program, which is part of the Youth and Young Adults Services department, continues to offer culturally relevant services and resources to help our children/students and families thrive in this American journey. 

As we embark on another exciting year, we hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits, ready to embrace the growth and sense of community that defines us at Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN). This month, we are particularly eager to share an important update and invite you to engage more with our mission.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of Pacific Islander communities? Join VOPIN as our new Program Coordinator in Kitsap County! This role is vital to our Family Services Program, designed to support Pasefika families through culturally responsive care coordination. Collaborate with our partners and lead initiatives that provide crucial resources, improve health outcomes, and promote equity in our community.

VOPIN October 2024 Newsletter

We are so excited to share reflections from two outstanding students, Destiny Ah Tau and Destiny 'Elesi' Pese, who took part in our Navigating Education Summer Program. Both Destiny and Elesi are talented and ambitious individuals with bright futures ahead. Their stories highlight personal growth, cultural connections, and the valuable lessons they’ve gained during their time with us.

We are so excited to share some highlights from our summer program! Our students have been taking the lead each morning, driving meaningful discussions and learning together. Today, we focused on the word "success" and explored what it truly means to each of us.

VOPIN's July Newsletter. Sign up for monthly updates!

VOPIN's June Newsletter. Sign up for monthly updates!

Meet Taluasa "Lua" Enoka, a 17-year-old senior at Bremerton High School. As a proud Samoan and dedicated student, Lua enjoys watching K-Dramas, values her Christian faith, and cherishes her family. She first heard about Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) through friends and quickly realized the significant impact their programs have on Pacific Islander students and beyond. “VOPIN is a very important organization and it's . . . for not only just Pacific Islanders but also for other students,” Lua shares.

May is a month of celebration and unity as we dedicate it to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage. It's a time to honor the contributions, culture, and achievements of the AANHPI community and to recognize the diverse stories that unite our communities. We commemorate the pioneering spirit of early Asian immigrants, the resilience of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander ancestors, and the shared struggles and triumphs that have shaped our collective history. Our deeply intertwined roots continue to nourish our growth today and in the future.

Youth Artists: Are you ready to grow your arts leadership skills?

Educators: Do you know a creative young person, ready to grow as a leader?

Apply or nominate someone to become part of the 2024-2025 Washington Youth Arts Leadership Cohort.

Nomination/Application Deadline: July 11, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Spring is in full swing, and Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) is thrilled about the upcoming events and initiatives for education, culture, and community. We invite you to join us and mark your calendars for these events. Let's work together to make the most of this season of warmth and renewal!

Bremerton High School student Mia Sianquita is a vibrant 16-year-old junior with a zest for life that is as infectious as it is inspiring. As someone who loves "hanging out with [her] friends, traveling, and playing volleyball,” Mia embodies the spirit of youthful exploration and friendship. Her involvement with the Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) program at Bremerton High School showcases her commitment to community and her personal growth within a supportive educational environment.

VOPIN March 2024 Newsletter

18 and under can ride free on buses, ferries and trains across the Puget Sound. Participating agencies include Kitsap Transit, King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and Washington State Ferries.

Meet Rebecca Smith, a vibrant 15-year-old ninth grader at Bremerton High School, whose enthusiasm and diverse interests shine through in a recent interview with Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN).

Happy February! We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we dive into the second month of the year, we're excited to share some heartwarming updates from VOPIN's Navigating Education (NE) project at Bremerton High School.

As we usher in the new year of 2024, Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) remains committed to addressing the pressing issues faced by Pacific Islander students in the realm of education. In our pursuit of creating a better future for the Pacific Islander community, we are excited to announce significant steps forward in our Navigating Education initiative.

Jody Sonmak, a 15-year-old freshman at Bremerton High School, may have just moved to Washington from Guam and Hawaii, but she's already making a big impact. Jody credits Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN)'s Navigating Education Program with helping her adjust to her new environment, improve her academics, and connect with her Pacific Islander identity.

Ali'ikai's story is one of resilience and triumph, starting from his upbringing in the Eastside of Tacoma and West Seattle to getting kicked out from school. But within the Pacific Islander community, he found strength and unity, treating each other like family. Despite hurdles, he graduated high school, while being a young dad, and worked tirelessly to support his family. At 21, he made the life-changing decision to join the military, finding stability and a supportive cushion for his journey into adulthood.

This week, we were honored to have Megan Burton, STEM and Learning Supervisor of Kitsap Regional Library, join Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN)'s Navigating Education after school program at Bremerton High School! Megan generously shared valuable insights on internship opportunities and provided expert guidance on resume building to empower our students.

Eliza Evans, our dedicated VOPIN volunteer, and John Perkins, our newest staff member, joined our Navigating Education afterschool program to meet our students and lead experiential activities focused on positive youth development and cultivating strong relationships.

We are grateful to share a moment of inspiration from our recent Together for Education fundraiser, featuring a compelling speech by VOPIN Intern, Keion Clark. Keion emphasizes the vital role of unity and support for education in Pacific Island communities. His speech is a poignant reminder that our collective efforts can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
Expertly edited by the talented Soyoun Ann Kim.

Research has shown that when students feel safe and have a sense of belonging, they tend to do well academically. Aniya Clark, an outstanding 11th-grade student at Bremerton High School, is currently enrolled in the 'Running Start' program and is a member of VOPIN's 'Navigating Education' initiative. Aniya offers peer-to-peer math tutoring to her fellow students, inspiring them to pursue their aspirations. In a recent interview, she shared her perspective on different aspects of her life and her involvement with VOPIN.

Mahani Teave's artistry is a bridge between music and the environment. She uses her music as a vessel to raise awareness about climate change, drawing parallels between the beauty of the Earth and the harmony of her melodies. "We're not just intellect, we are not just emotions, we are not just a soul," she says, "We're also a body, and we're connected to what's around us, and we are responsible for everything we do."

Meet Charles Griffin, a bright 14-year-old freshman at Bremerton High School, who is already making waves with his unique blend of hobbies and ambitions.

Join our team and help us make a difference for Pasefika youth and families!
We are seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Services and a full-time Education Navigator (high school tutor/mentor). Ideal candidates will have a passion for education and equity and experience working with Pasefika communities. Please see position descriptions and application instructions below.

Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) addresses these disparities with targeted support by providing high-quality, culturally responsive services and resources to eliminate educational and opportunity inequities. We serve as a bridge to develop stronger relationships between students, families, schools, and the community.

Read more of the study by The Annie E. Casey Foundation:

Mahalo, Fa'afetai, Malo, Vinaka, Kia ora, Si yu'us ma'åse, Olketa, Yokwe, Fakaaue, Fa'afetai tele, Mauruuru, Tenkyu tru, Kinisou, Mogethin, Kinisou chapur, Thank you to all our incredible sponsors and generous donors who made VOPIN’s Together for Education Lū’au and fundraiser a huge success!

VOPIN aims to rectify educational disparities faced by Pacific Islander students in Washington State. By separating Asian American and Pacific Islander statistics, VOPIN highlights the academic struggles of Pacific Islanders. Poverty, language barriers, cultural differences, and low parental engagement hinder Pacific Islander students' success. VOPIN's tutoring program has seen progress in improving graduation rates, and it plans to expand by fostering cultural connection through arts and community centers, facing challenges of funding and inclusivity.

WOW! What an electric night it was at Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN)’s "Together for Education" Lū’au & Fundraising Event! Our hearts are bursting with gratitude as we announce that, with YOUR incredible support, we've raised over $30,000 in support of our educational programs! Your presence, support, and boundless enthusiasm made this event an unforgettable experience.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE WORKER for Kitsap Transit
To Apply: If you decide to apply for this position, please visit Kitsap Transit's employment link at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kitsaptransit. Please contact Marianne Rajan in the Human Resources Department at (360) 478-5852 if you have any questions.

VOPIN's 'Navigating Education' project encourages our students to take ownership of their academic success and future. However, our students not only struggle academically, but their families are also struggling to navigate multiple socioeconomic challenges, which is reflected by our students' lack of achievement...

The Seattle area-based nonprofit is helping 80-plus students — the majority are Pacific Islander high school students — to overcome academic obstacles, and it has big plans to match the magnitude of the moment for the PI community.

Voices of Pacific Island Nations' March 2023 Newsletter

My perfect score (11/11) in my Finance Fitness class reminds me that you can overcome your fears and rise above uncertainty: May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears! (N. Mandela).

The 'Mau' was a non-violent movement for Samoa's independence from colonial rule during the first half of the 20th century. 'Mau' means 'resolute' or 'resolved' in the sense of 'opinion,' 'unwavering,' also denoting 'firm strength' in Samoan. The motto for the Mau were the words 'Samoa mo Samoa (Samoa for the Samoans).' The movement began on the island of Savai'i with the 'Mau a Pule' resistance in the early 1900s with widespread support throughout the country by the late 1920s... The 'Mau' included women who supported the national organization through leadership and organization as well as taking part in marches.

Watch Untold Pacific History on our Arts and Culture page

The first Pacific Islander to reach the Challenger Deep! Nicole Yamase is an inspirational role model for young Pacific Islanders interested in pursuing STEM. Nicole was born in Pohnpei but dwelled in other parts of the Federated States of Micronesia. As a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Hawaii studying Marine Biology: I just want young Pacific Islanders to see that there is no limit to what we can accomplish. I want them to see themselves in me. We can do anything! I hope this experience inspires other young Pacific Islanders to pursue STEM fields and higher education, so that they can serve as a role model for the next generation.

"Yamase's inspiring voyage to the Challenger Deep is a once-in-a-lifetime journey to a place that less than 20 people visited before in human history," said Malte Stuecker--assistant professor at University of Hawaii Manoa Dept of Oceanography. "And now I could see, quite literally how these reefs in the Federated States of Micronesia are connected with the deepest place on Earth," added Yamase.

Mau Piailug (1932 - 2010) was a Micronesian navigator from the Carolinian island of Satawal, best known as a teacher of traditional, non-instrument wayfinding methods for open-ocean voyaging. Mau's navigation methods relied on elements of nature, such as the sun, stars, winds and clouds, seas and swells, and birds and fish.

Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Rotuma, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Futuna and Uvea formed a large exchange community in which wealth and people with their skills and arts circulated endlessly... Oceania is vast, Oceania is expanding, Oceania is hospitable and generous, Oceania is humanity rising from the depths of brine and regions of fire deeper still, Oceania is Us.

John Alexander Kneubuhl, an accomplished playwright, is the son of a Samoan mother and an American father. On July 2, 1920, John was born in Fagatogo, American Samoa. His father, Benjamin F. Kneubuhl, was a navy surveyor from Iowa who settled in Samoa and later became a successful businessman. John’s mother was Atalina Pritchard from Apia, Samoa.

Mark your calendars because Kitsap Great Give is starting in just a few days! Help strengthen, unite, and empower your community by donating to participating nonprofits like Voices of Pacific Island Nations!

It is not the intention of VOPIN to influence one's opinion or belief of the origin of Pacific Islanders. Technology is absolute in some respect, but the spirituality of Pacific Islanders is fundamental to what developed their history and identity. Before technology, multiple beliefs and legends are handed down from generation to generation about the heritage of Pacific Islanders.

The selection you are watching is one of many theories contesting other technology. However, Pacific Islanders believe in Mana, Tagaloalagi, and other Spirits of the Heavens that formed their identity.

Washington Gives is partnering with Voices of Pacific Island Nations through their online giving platform that helps individuals, groups, and businesses to discover and donate to nonprofits headquartered or serving Washington. Washington Gives hosts two fundraising campaigns, GivingTuesday and GiveBIG, a Washington-focused campaign that kicks off April 19 and culminates on May 3-4! Support by giving to causes you love at wagives.org

Samoans are most proud of their heritage and history. This YouTube clip consists of several Samoan cultures and history. It starts with the simple concept of starting a fire from rubbering together dry "fau" trees. As far back to the 1500s, ancient Samoan stories tell of warriors swinging fire clubs as they ran from lookout to hill, lighting beacons of fire in time of an invasion. The Samoan "Siva Afi or Fire dance" has become more than an art. The Siva Afi has become both a symbol of the past and future. Check out this excellent documentary featured on our Arts and Culture page.

Getting tattooed is a rite of passage into the circle of Chiefs. Chief Sielu Avea shared his experience about getting tattooed. The female tattoo is called "Malu," and the male tattoo is called "Tatau." The art of tattoo in Samoa was banned during the arrival of English missionaries and Christianity in the 1830s. However, the Sulu'ape family was instrumental in revitalizing the art in the Pacific.

Last but not least, Samoans are always willing to share their culture and history with others and make them feel part of the family.