WLI Alumna, Lien Toa from Vanuatu, felt motivated and moved after presenting at the Vaka Pasifiki Education Conference (VPEC) 2025 in Majuro in Republic of the Marshall Islands.
“Attending this conference was especially meaningful to me, as it marked the first time I was invited to present my work to a regional audience of respected researchers, educators, and policymakers from across the Pacific,” said Lien.
VPEC is held every two to three years in a chosen Pacific Island country and focuses on the Re-thinking Pacific Education Initiative (REPI), which is grounded in the following core principles: creating and facilitating opportunities for Pacific people to take ownership of their education systems and processes; and articulating a shared vision for Pacific peoples to guide and inform the future of education development in the region.
The 2025 theme ‘With knowledge, influence decision-making, voice your ideas, do not remain silent’ – encouraged Pacific voices to speak out to inform education in the region encapsulating its purpose — to empower Pacific voices in shaping education.
Rethinking education in the Pacific
For Lien, not only did the conference provide a valuable platform for sharing her perspective on rethinking Pacific education, she also gained a wealth of new knowledge and connected with a network of likeminded individuals.
“Placements like this foster a network of emerging Pacific leaders who are not only well-informed but also committed to working collectively for a more equitable and effective education system across the region. The sessions challenged me to reflect deeply on how we can move toward more relevant, contextualised, and inclusive learning experiences for Pacific learners, and the knowledge I gained from other educators and policy-makers can be brought back to my community and shared through collaboration with colleagues, schools, and education networks,” said Lien.
Lien possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience herself, having taught in primary and secondary schools across Vanuatu for over two decades. She graduated at the top of her class when earning her Bachelor of Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching at The University of the South Pacific. Furthermore, Lien has held the role of Assistant Treasurer of the Executive Committee for Penama in Port Vila for the past four years. The only woman on the Committee, Lien supports operations, provides advice, and has been instrumental in the development of a community centre on the Island of Ambae to cater to spiritual needs.
“I learned that I am passionate about educational development in the Pacific and that I have a voice worth sharing.”
A life-long learner and fledgling leader, Lien grew both professionally and personally during her time in Majuro and her contribution as a local educator was invaluable.
“By sharing ideas and research grounded in a local context, I helped amplify voices and perspectives that are often underrepresented in broader educational discussions. My contribution supports the movement toward Pacific-led educational reform, which values indigenous knowledge, cultural identity, and the unique learning needs of Pacific learners,” explained Lien.
The conference also gave Lien a sense of ownership over her work and solidified her capacity as a leader.
“I strengthened my public speaking and academic communication skills, deepened my understanding of regional educational issues, and built professional connections within the Pacific education community. But most importantly, I gained the confidence to voice my ideas and see myself not just as a student or participant, but as an emerging leader in the field of education,” said Lien.
A shared vision
Beyond the conference’s academic benefits, Lien also found the opportunity to travel to the North Pacific personally moving.
“Experiencing the unique landscape of the Marshall Islands firsthand brought into sharp focus the urgent challenges many low-lying island nations face due to climate change. Witnessing the heavy reliance on imported food due to limited agricultural capacity gave me a renewed appreciation for the fertile lands in my home country, where crops thrive and local food security remains a strength,” shared Lien.
“I am more motivated than ever to be a responsible advocate for both education and sustainable living in our Blue Pacific Continent.”
“This experience has not only enriched my professional knowledge and skills but also deepened my sense of regional solidarity, environmental responsibility, and commitment to educational transformation in the Pacific. It reminded me of the importance of valuing diverse perspectives and working collaboratively toward a shared vision for our region’s future. As I continue to grow in my professional role, I aim to support initiatives that empower local educators, engage communities, and ensure that education systems truly reflect Pacific values and priorities.”
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Through the WLI Leaders Hub, alumni of the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program like Lien apply for and access workplace internships and professional development opportunities, including supported participation in international programs.