Pasifika Communities University

Pasifika Communities University 'Home of "Whole of Life" Education'
formerly, Pacific Theological College
founded, 1961, est. 1965, now operating as Pasifika Communities University.

About Pasifika Communities University - Home of "Whole of Life" Education. Pasifika Communities University (PCU) is a pioneering institution grounded in Pacific values, culture, and community. Emerging from the Pasifika Communities Learning Network, PCU was born out of a shared vision among educators, community leaders, and development partners who saw the need for an education system shaped by Pacific worldviews. Before becoming a university, the movement focused on grassroots leadership, cultural resilience, and local governance — connecting communities through learning and service. Its evolution into a university marks a transition from a community movement to a formal institution, while staying true to its heart and mission. Guided by the Whole of Life Vision, PCU embraces a holistic approach to education — integrating mind, spirit, culture, and community. Our courses combine academic knowledge with real-world practice, empowering students to become confident, culturally grounded, and community-minded leaders. Each program reflects Pacific values of collective learning, service, and respect for creation. Core Areas of Study

Community Development & Leadership
Focused on grassroots engagement, governance, and social innovation to equip students to lead sustainable community change. Cultural Heritage & Indigenous Knowledge
Exploring traditional wisdom, language, and cultural systems that shape identity and continuity across the Pacific. Education for Sustainable Futures
Preparing educators and facilitators to integrate cultural relevance, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship into teaching practice. Youth Empowerment & Social Enterprise
Encouraging young leaders to design initiatives that create social and economic impact in their own communities. Faith, Values & Ethics in Development
Integrating spiritual and moral principles into leadership, development, and everyday decision-making. Research and Applied Practice
Engaging students in community-based research that translates learning into meaningful local impact. Each course is delivered through flexible, community-based learning pathways, combining workshops, mentorship, and applied fieldwork. PCU’s approach ensures that education is accessible, practical, and directly connected to the needs and aspirations of Pacific peoples. PCU continues to grow — shaping leaders who are grounded in culture, guided by faith, and committed to the well-being of Pacific communities.

11/09/2026

“Where Every Gathering Feels Like Home”

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🤳 : +679 3311100
📱 : +679 2297111
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FIRST ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PACIFIC INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLYThis week, the Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor), ...
10/09/2026

FIRST ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PACIFIC INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

This week, the Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor), Rev Prof. Upolu Luma Vaai was invited to deliver the main keynote address to the FIRST ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PACIFIC INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY (PIPA/AIP), held in Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme: “A Pacific Voice in a Divided World: Parliamentary Diplomacy, Regional Unity and Global Peace”. The Assembly is hosted by the Assembly of French Polynesia.

Delegations attending the Assembly are led by Speakers of Parliaments and representatives from different Legislative Assemblies throughout the Pacific, including Hawaii and Australia. Key to the Manu Folau's invitation is to assist the newly regional established Assembly in developing Pacific centred foundations and model in its early years of existence, especially from a 'whole of life' philosophical and theological perspective.

In the Manu Folau's address, he said, "Parliaments are not just law-making institutions made up of elected representatives. They are houses embodying a sacred trust. They hold the highest model of ethical integrity. I don’t have to remind you honourable members and distinguished delegates of the instabilities within our own parliaments that are increasingly posing risk to peace and security, to national and regional stability, and to leadership growth in the region."

He continued, "One of the factors is that most of these parliamentary models are not ours. We all know that most, if not all of our development systems and constitutional democracies in Pasifika, whether its Westminster, French Parliament, and so forth, are underpinned and guided by Eurocentric philosophies and their related logics. Such as the 'logic of competition,' and the 'logic of growth.' Therefore we have to decolonise our own parliamentary models. Perhaps the biggest mistake made by these philosophies is the removal or sidelining of ‘spirituality’ central to Pacific identity and wellbeing."

"Most of us here are trained in the institutional model of Western tailor-made leadership and diplomacy programmes, political sciences, and international relations. While these models elevate the importance of 'institutional integrity', but because of the removal of spirituality 'ethical integrity' became the victim. From a 'whole of life' perspective, we need both."

The Manu Folau thanked the leaders for the invitation in which he is humbled by the gesture. The Assembly finishes on Thursday and will release a statement on its direction and future design and development.


This week, the Pasifika Communities University (PCU) Library joined forces with the National Library of Fiji to celebrat...
10/09/2026

This week, the Pasifika Communities University (PCU) Library joined forces with the National Library of Fiji to celebrate National Library Week and International Literacy Day at the Marist Champagnat Institute in Vatuwaqa, Suva.

Responding to an invitation from the Ministry of Education, our team took part in this annual national event dedicated to championing the vital role libraries, literature, and reading play in shaping strong communities across Fiji.

Under the National Library Week theme, "Find the Joy in Reading," and the International Literacy Day focus on literacy as a cornerstone for personal empowerment and sustainable development, we were proud to showcase PCU Library’s resources and share the mission of Pasifika Communities University with students and attendees. The Chief Guest being the Minister for Education Honorable Aseri Radrodro highlighted the need for parents and teachers to invest more time in guiding children into reading more.

A big thank you to the organizers and everyone who stopped by to connect with us!


08/09/2026

This reflection draws on the profound wisdom shared by former President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, at the philosophy conference, reminding us that good leadership matters.

President Tong’s message leaves us with a simple, enduring truth: protecting our planet is the ultimate test of our collective ethics pouring from good pacific leadership.

Recently, the Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor), Rev Prof. Upolu Luma Vaai, was invited by the Liaocheng University in the Sh...
01/09/2026

Recently, the Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor), Rev Prof. Upolu Luma Vaai, was invited by the Liaocheng University in the Shangdon Province of China as their chief guest, delivering lectures, discussing collaborations, and meeting with the director and staff and students of the Institute for Pacific Studies at the University. He also had the opportunity to meet with Pacific island students studying at the university.

One of the key outcomes of the visit is for the Pacific Studies Institute to translate into Chinese all English books published and yet to be published by the PCU Press for educational use in China.

Don't miss the opportunity to sit down and listen to the wisdom of renowned Pasifika theologians and church leaders to d...
01/09/2026

Don't miss the opportunity to sit down and listen to the wisdom of renowned Pasifika theologians and church leaders to discuss hope in the midst of an unstable world, storying theology from and for a 'whole of life' vision.

See the line up of Keynote Speakers who have published, worked, and advocate for a theological storying that is more 'whole of life.' There will also be workshops and roundtable conversations for everyone.

Register now while there is still space.

30/08/2026

A few weeks on from the Pasifika Philosophies Conference, the conversations and reflections continue. Hear from the Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services as she shares her reflections on the conference and the powerful ideas it has opened up around education, community and leadership.

These are the conversations that awaken us, challenge us and remind us that the wisdom we seek may already be living within our people and communities.


These 3 successful candidates from the Methodist Church In Fiji and Rotuma, (L-R, Rev Dr Marika Bale, Rev Dr Isoa Vatani...
28/08/2026

These 3 successful candidates from the Methodist Church In Fiji and Rotuma, (L-R, Rev Dr Marika Bale, Rev Dr Isoa Vatanitawake, and Rev Dr Taniela Ratawa) all received their PhDs from PCU. Dr Bale on the History of Christianity, Dr Vatanitawake in Biblical Studies, and Dr Ratawa in Theology and Ethics.

This landmark achievement stands as a profound testament to the deep, enduring partnership between PCU and its member churches. Throughout years when PTC, now PCU, started its scholarship scheme called "Churches Initiative for Pasifika Scholars", the MCIF had the most students who benefited from its scholarship scheme compared to any of its 20 member churches.

Rev Dr Bale was fully funded by PCU and now work at PCU as lecturer and Chaplain, and Rev Dr Vatanitawake was partly funded. Rev Dr Ratawa was fully funded by the MCIF.

The success of these three leaders reflects their full commitment to their studies without other external obligations, the power of investing in our' people, in our Pacific institutions, in the evolving needs of our communities with deep theological insights and intellectual rigor. Deeply grounded in the understanding for the vanua and a passionate heart to serve God and communities. PCU wishes them all the best.

This week on Wednesday, Rev Isoa Vatanitawake successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled: "Lukan and Fijian ...
28/08/2026

This week on Wednesday, Rev Isoa Vatanitawake successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled: "Lukan and Fijian Communities: Towards Restoring Relationships Through iTaukei Cara Sala Framework and Veitalanoa Hermeneutics" in the Biblical Studies discipline and was awarded with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The Pou Tuuloto (Academic Board) and the Uli (Executive Board) have approved his award this week.

Dr Vatanitawake's tuition fee was partly sponsored by PCU towards the end of his doctoral studies when his scholarship funds from his sponsor church was discontinued. PCU offered him a job, funded his tuition fee, in order to complete his studies, a courtesy extended to him as part of PCU's duty of care. Compassion given with the understanding that everyone is special and should succeed.

This is the official announcement of Dr Vatanitawake's successful completion of his studies. Other announcements before this should not be recognised.

The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma stands in celebration, marking a monumental milestone in both higher learning and academic leadership.

Congratulations to Rev Dr. Leinamau Seru on the successful defense of her doctoral thesis on July 3rd, 2026, at Pasifika...
28/08/2026

Congratulations to Rev Dr. Leinamau Seru on the successful defense of her doctoral thesis on July 3rd, 2026, at Pasifika Communities University!

Her groundbreaking work, "Constructing a Theology of Pou Taane: Re-defining Gender Equality in Mele, Vanuatu," marks a profound and transformative contribution to Pasifika theology and gender discourse. By drawing upon rich cultural heritage and faith, she offered a powerful lens through which equity, justice, and human dignity can be reimagined within both church and community contexts.

Rev Dr Seru's full tuition fee during her 3 years of PhD studies was fully funded by PCU under its "Churches Initiative for Pasifika Scholars" (CIPS) scholarship scheme, and part of its push to equip women theologians and scholars for the Pacific churches and the region, and to advocate for the place of women in church and educational leadership.

The Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu and the community of Mele have immense reason to celebrate their daughter achieving this milestone.

This is the official announcement of Dr Seru's successful completion of her studies. Other announcements before this should not be recognised.

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Suva City
6793311100

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