Sharing Island love, life and laughter

Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 24

Humans of the Islands

Humans Of The Islands - Keith Waldron Moala

Keith Waldron Moala

Telecommunications Engineer

Tongan

How did you start your career in Telecommunications?

I was only 18 years old at the time when a British company offshore called Cable and Wireless came to Tonga. It was 1976 and it was the first Satellite dish ever brought to Tonga. I was so excited and I wanted to know about it so I applied for a job as a trainee technician. Before this, the way we communicated with the outside world was through radio high frequency and we only had one or two radio channels to New Zealand and you would have to shout down the phone line for people to hear you properly from Tonga. So Cable and Wireless started the first Satellite communication in the country. I spent ten years with them was able to replace the expatriate who was a British Engineer, and look after the Satellite station for the country.…more

Humans of the Islands

Humans Of The Islands - Oriana Tui

Check out NZ-born Samoan business woman Oriana Tui - owner of Embrace Salon!

Humans of the Islands

Humans Of The Islands - Namila Benson

Namila Benson

Broadcaster/Broadcast Trainer/Boss Mama at Toddler HQ

Papua New Guinea

I’m a proud Tolai woman, from the beautiful island of Rabaul, in the East New Britain Province of PNG. Mum is from a picturesque village called Matalau, which is right on the beach. Matalau is where my heart is, although I live in Melbourne, Australia. I feel like culturally, emotionally, mentally and socially I have my feet firmly planted in both places, yet the older I get, I definitely sway more towards the island way of doing things.

What are things you treasure most in your life?

Family – they sustain, enrich and beautify my world…Culture - for guiding, educating and grounding me…Community - for uplifting, supporting and inspiring me…the Islander sistahood, who fill my life with so much passion, love and laughter. The sistas and Aunties are like a tonic for my soul. #BlackAndBrownGirlMagic…

What would you consider your biggest achievement to date?

Immersing myself in a career I love (broadcast media) and having complete confidence in what I bring to the airwaves.…more

Humans of the Islands

Humans of the Islands - Manuia Fruean

My full name is Manuia Fruean. I'm 23 years old and I was born and raised in Sacramento California. My father is Samoan and my mother is Caucasian. I was born in my home - my father delivered me because my mother went in to labor so fast. He watched his mother give birth at home many times so he wasn't afraid to do it himself. His name 'Eugene Fruean' is on my birth certificate as the "Doctor" who delivered me.
 
"Most Polynesian people would describe me as "Afakasi" which means Samoan and White. It's kind of a joke for not being full Samoan but it's never bothered me. We live in a society where everybody wants to fit in. Instead, we should stand out and embrace our differences." @manumental 
 
Do you have any treasured memories of growing up with two different cultures between your parents? 
I never really considered my Caucasian side as a culture. I hope that doesn't sound ignorant but it almost seems that people only recognize me for being Samoan.…more