Below is an article from Mia Makaafi following her recent win in the PYLAT Dragons' Den Challenge.

On the 23rd of June I had the privilege of standing in front of three prominent judges and pitch an idea, in which I find great passion towards.

I was one of five lucky people whose applications where chosen out of the whole of Christchurch to pitch my idea at the PYLAT Dragons Den 2018. When I first admitted my application I must admit I did not have any high expectations, so when I got the call saying I was one of the five chosen I was ecstatic.

My ‘business pitch’ was a programme called FAKAOLA. Fakaola is a Tongan word the brief meaning is, growth in learning. It would be a programme which holds workshops for teachers to develop their cultural awareness and inform them on the importance of cultural competence within schools specifically with Pasifika learners. It is a time for teachers to gain understanding of Pasifika culture and how aspects of this may affect a student’s learning. As a young Tongan student attending Middleton I believe there is a great need for a programme such as this, not only in Middleton but around Christchurch!

Now when I attended the Dragons Den, again I had low expectations. All I focused on was doing my best and I was happy with any outcome. After all the pitches then came the decision making. The dragons were to place us from 5th to 1st and with these placings being given a sum of money they believed that placing deserved. As they read out the placing one by one, each person stood up to gain their award, my name still yet to be called. As they finished announcing second place that is when I realised I was the last person left. At that moment I realised I had just won. They generously gave my programme $2000 funding which was a great blessing! I was so thankful and grateful for all the support I had with me. As I look back now I realise how greatly blessed I am for having people such as Mrs Bailey, and my parents for their support but above all, I give thanks to God for giving me this opportunity. This funding will greatly boost this programmes development and growth and I am happy to say that there has already been interest with other schools such as Burnside. My hope for Fakaola is that it will be implemented around Christchurch schools and that it will truly make a difference for both teachers and students alike.

Mia Makaafi