On Friday 21 August, students Pavani Chawla, Haydar Al-Rufaie, Kevin Tong, and Benson Yao attended the Emerging Ethnic Leaders Breakfast Event. Hosted by the Ministry of Education, Auckland Council, and the Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition (ARCC), the event celebrates outstanding student leadership across diverse ethnic backgrounds through inspiring guest speakers. Out of 65 students selected region-wide, Pakūranga College was honoured to have four nominees, doubling the standard allocation of two per school.
Below are blurbs written by Pakūranga College staff members about why the students received this nomination:
Shaoguang (Kevin) Tong:
Kevin is a true gem in our community. He is kind, empathetic, and a wonderful role model for all students. He is always ready to help teachers and peers with a smile. Whether he is guiding people to their classes, translating into Chinese, or helping new students transition into our school and Aotearoa better, he always brings people together.
Kevin is the perfect example of a leader who supports others from the back. Instead of looking for attention for himself, he focuses on building the confidence of those around him. He is a rare type of leader who steps back so that others can shine in the spotlight.
Thank you, Kevin, for your kind heart and your hard work. You make our community a friendlier and better place, and your leadership is a beautiful example for us all.
Benson Yao:
Benson is a wonderful member of our community who is always ready to help anyone in need. He works hard everyday to be an excellent role model for his peers, showing kindness and dedication in everything he does.
Benson stands out for his mature thinking and strong sense of right and wrong. When he sees someone making a poor choice or doing something that is not good, he has the courage to speak up. He calmly and kindly explains to them why it is not right, helping his peers learn and make better choices. Benson is a leader who leads from the front, guiding others by setting a strong, positive example with his own actions.
Thank you, Benson, for your honesty, your maturity, and your brave leadership. You make our community a safer, better place for everyone!
Haydar Al-Rufaie
Haydar played a key role in organising the school’s annual Cultural Night, a highlight event for the kura that celebrates the rich diversity of our community. He takes great pride in his own culture and is a passionate advocate for cultural inclusion and understanding. Through his leadership and enthusiasm, Haydar has helped foster an environment where the many cultures represented within our school are valued, celebrated and respected.
Pavani Chawla
Pavani played an important role in organising the school’s annual Cultural Night, a highlight event on the kura calendar that celebrates the rich diversity of our school community. She takes great pride in her own cultural heritage and is passionate about promoting and celebrating the many cultures represented within our school. Through her dedication and enthusiasm, Pavani has helped foster a strong sense of inclusivity, understanding and respect for cultural diversity.
Congratulations to our four student leaders for their fantastic achievements!
