“Fellowship over food is the way to engage”
Published: 26 March 2025
Pacific Heartbeat course graduate is sharing her knowledge with the youngest to the oldest members of her community
Silaati Emily Telito Fuluasou (left), a recent graduate of the Certificate of Proficiency in Pacific Nutrition (CPPN) course, is using her skills to influence those around her.
Emily has applied the knowledge she gained from the course both in her role as Chairwoman for the Oamaru Tuvalu Community Group, and professionally as a senior staff member in an Aged Care facility.
“Fellowship over food is the way to engage our people,” Emily says, highlighting the opportunity this provides for switching to foods with greater heart health benefits.
She recently ran a food and nutrition and health awareness workshops for the local Tuvalu community and is now looking to engage Pasifika youth and young mothers.
“Getting this information to the young ones is very important and also focussing on mums, because we know that the mums are often the main chefs at home.”
It seems her message is even being spread by the youngest family members.
“Even my four-year-old niece is on board. When we have family gatherings or go somewhere she’ll grab the salt off the table and go and hide it somewhere else!”