In its 50th year, PACIFICA is proud to announce a record number of 2026 PACIFICA Grant recipients.

PACIFICA usually distributes 12 grants annually to provide some financial
assistance to Pacific women and girls with their educational development and to help fulfil their dreams and aspirations. PACIFICA has had a longstanding commitment to empowering Pacific women through education, leadership, service, and community contribution.

This year, PACIFICA received a very high number of worthy applications from Pacific women and girls demonstrating their achievements, financial need, resilience, leadership, and aspirations.

Given our Golden Jubilee and the high number and quality of applications received, PACIFICA was in the financial position to significantly increase the number of grants awarded in 2026.

A record number of 26 grants have been awarded: 8 Secondary School Grants ($650 each); and 18 Tertiary Education Grants ($2,000 each). This compares with the usual 12 grants: 6 Secondary School and 6 Tertiary Education grants.

PACIFICA Inc. National President, Lemalu Repeka Lelaulu, says: “In our 50th year,
we’re proud to have significantly increased our grants – giving even more deserving
recipients the support they need to pursue their goals. These grants recognise not just the recipients, but the families, teachers, mentors and communities standing behind them.”

Victoria-Leigh Lam, a Tertiary Education Grant recipient from the Southern region,
says: “I am a fourth-year engineering student at the University of Canterbury and I am so grateful to have received this grant. With this, I can be relieved of some of the financial stress I may face once I complete my studies. After attending the Youth
Conference, I realised how blessed I am to be a part of an organisation that empowers and inspires Pacific women. I can’t wait to be someone young Pacific women look up to, just as much as I look up to the other members within this organisation, the guest speakers at the conference, and other youth who attended”.
 

PACIFICA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all recipients and wishes them every success on their educational journeys.

The organisation also acknowledges all applicants who applied this year. The quality of applications received reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in
opportunities that support the growth and success of Pacific women and girls.

PACIFICA looks forward to following the journeys of the remarkable recipients and
celebrating their future achievements as leaders, professionals, and contributors
within their communities and beyond.