ITI Articles

Returning to the classroom as an adult takes determination, motivation and courage.  And no one personifies those qualities more than New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA) hospitality student, Lisa Samulafoai Filemoni.
 
Lisa’s achievements were formally recognised during last month’s Adult Learners’ Week – a UNESCO initiative designed to celebrate the efforts and achievements of adult learners worldwide.
 
The mother of four is working towards her NZMA Certificate in Hospitality and Employment Skills at NZMA Auckland West.  She was one of just five recipients of the 2007 Adult Learner Award for the Waitakere area.  This is the first award she has ever won – and, not surprisingly, it was one of the proudest moments of her life.
 
“I was so shocked when I won,” says Lisa, after attending the Waitakere Adult Learner Awards on September 7.
 
“I haven’t been to school since I was caught smoking at the age of 15, so to achieve this was very special.   It was a very emotional moment for me.  My husband and kids are very proud of me... I just wish my parents were alive to see me too.”
 
Lisa cried tears of joy as her name was announced at the ceremony, which was attended by a wide range of guests including Dr Michael Cullen, Minister of Immigration David Cunliffe and the Mayor, Bob Harvey. 

Lisa was nominated for the award after impressing her NZMA tutors with her determination and dedication.  It’s the first time an NZMA student has ever won.
 
“We’re all incredibly proud of Lisa,” says Auckland West Academy hospitality tutor, Laloifi Ripley.
 
“Studying after so many years has been a challenge for Lisa, but with her positive can-do attitude and her dedication both in class and at home, she is completing her unit standards with great results. 
 
“Through studying at NZMA Lisa has gained the confidence to continue studying and the confidence in herself as a person.  She now knows where her future lies.
 
“Her dream job is to operate her own catering company.  With the passion and drive that she possesses, all of the tutors at NZMA are certain that her dream will become a reality.”