The Lasallian Mission is supported by passionate volunteers who give their time and energy to make a difference and help transform lives. This year, through the Lasallian Volunteer program, we have been joined by Kisi and Jozanam. We asked them a few questions so you can get to know them a little better.
Kisi Dominic Makoui Pulu
Born and raised in South Auckland, New Zealand, Kisi [pictured right] has made the brave and exciting journey to Australia as a Lasallian Volunteer with La Salle College. This is Kisi’s gap year, and he wanted to see life outside of his self-described ‘small bubble’ of South Auckland which he had not left up until this point. Kisi saw it as an opportunity to volunteer and figure out where he wanted to go next.
“I want to study at university but didn’t want to go straight away as I wanted to take a gap year … I want to experience what opportunities La Salle has to give. I really want to see what Australia (La Salle College) has and compare it to my school which was De La Salle College, Mangere East, South Auckland.”
“My role as a Lasallian Volunteer is not only to watch but to help some of the more vulnerable students grow and feel like they aren’t marginalised. I want to break that stigma and for which all students feel equal. Everyone deserves a chance.”
This year La Salle College focuses on the key College value of Service. We asked Kisi what ‘Service’ means to him.
“Service means to me not only giving and doing something for others but it’s to bring myself down and humble myself.”
In his spare time Kisi loves video games and going to the gym. He also enjoys watching sports such as MMA (UFC), NRL, Super Rugby, NBA and a little NFL and football.
A long way from home he is really missing his dog.
“I really miss my dog but, in all honesty, I miss everyone from my friends to my mum and nephew.”
Jozanam Emani
Jozanam aka “Jozy” is from South Auckland New Zealand. Both of his parents are Samoan making him full Samoan decent. He has travelled with Kisi across to Australia on a gap year.
“I initially chose to volunteer so I could spend some time away from home, but when I learnt more about the responsibility and experiences first-hand, I realised coming here is a chance to find myself and also help kids simultaneously. My role involves being a ‘Big Brother’ figure for the kids in Boarding, also helping them in class if they need it.”
We asked Jozanam what ‘Service’ means to him.
“In Samoa we have a saying, ‘o le ala I le pule o le tautua’ which means ‘the path to leadership is through service’. I have lived by that proverb since I could walk. For me it means to put God first in everything we do, in order for us to live up to our full potential.”
Jozanam enjoyed playing basketball in high school and then moved onto Rugby in Year 11. He loves music and says it is a big part of his life.
“I started singing last year and I can honestly say it changed my life. I was part of a band called ‘exodus’ and created a bond with them I never thought was possible.”
Thinking of home in South Auckland, he is missing his parents and family. “I really miss my mums cooking.”
We are excited to have Kisi and Jozy join us at the College this year and hope they continue to grow and gain valuable experiences from this amazing volunteer opportunity.
