On Friday 22 May seven Rutherford College students attended the Malosi Project at Te Fale Pasifika

On Friday 22 May, seven Rutherford College students attended the Malosi Project at Te Fale Pasifika, University of Auckland, accompanied by Mr Lakhan. The programme was designed to give Pasifika students an insight into the legal profession and the pathways required to study law at university. 

Students joined participants from a number of other Auckland secondary schools, providing a valuable opportunity to meet and collaborate with young people from across the region who share similar interests and aspirations. Throughout the day, students took part in a range of activities that introduced them to the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in law. A highlight of the programme was the mooting competition, where students worked collaboratively in teams to present and argue legal cases as either the prosecution or the defence. This experience helped students develop confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to construct persuasive arguments. 

We are proud to share that three of the seven Rutherford College students progressed through to the finals of the competition. This was an outstanding achievement and reflected their hard work, commitment, and willingness to challenge themselves in a new learning environment. 

The day also provided students with the opportunity to experience university life firsthand, explore future study options, and connect with students from other schools across Auckland. Most importantly, the Malosi Project is an excellent initiative that gives Pasifika students a valuable taste of a career in law and helps make university pathways feel more accessible and achievable. Programmes such as this encourage students to broaden their horizons, build confidence in their abilities, and consider career opportunities that they may not have previously explored.

Rutherford College is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a meaningful programme and look forward to supporting more students to participate in future years. We thank the organisers, mentors, and university staff who made the day such a positive and inspiring experience for our students.

by Anjay Lakhan