‘The Polypuff Girls’: Pacific women leading AI education revolution

In an unprecedented move to bridge the digital divide and promote technological inclusivity within Pacific communities, Fibre Fale has launched a free artificial intelligence (AI) Masterclass.

It is the world’s first Pasifika-led AI Masterclass with a strong focus on cultural relatability and digital empowerment.

Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele, the 2025 Young New Zealander of the Year, a Forbes 30 Under 30 changemaker, and co-founder and director of Fibre Fale, is on a mission to ensure Pacific communities are not left behind in the age of AI.

Namulau’ulu says the programme is designed for all levels of experience.

“It’s endless. It’s a loop. Infinite. So it’s free. Anyone can join. We’ve built it in a way where it’s understandable for all.”

Namulau’ulu says the educational programme represents a significant step towards acquiring AI knowledge and empowering individuals from diverse Pacific backgrounds with essential skills for the future.

While the content is accessible to beginners, the course is also suitable for advanced users. It helps to demystify AI and ease any anxieties surrounding it.

“Even those that have no idea or have fear - have no fear. We’re here to help you through that as well,” she says.

Namulau’ulu says there is interest among Pacific people, as they have received around 350 registrations since launch day last week.

The masterclass has been designed with an emphasis on cultural relevance, ensuring that the complex concepts of AI are presented in a way that resonates with Pacific values and experiences, ultimately fostering genuine digital empowerment.

The course is divided into four modules:

• Understanding AI - a foundational introduction to basic concepts and applications.

• Machine Learning - an exploration of algorithms, predictive modelling, and how it all works.

• Data - an examination of the crucial role of information in AI systems, with a particular focus on ethical processes.

• Prompting - a focus on the art and science of effectively communicating with AI tools.

Each module is grounded in relatable examples.

“I talk about ulus (head). I talk about nius (coconuts),” Namulau’ulu says “It’s the first Pasifika-led masterclass where our people are the actual thought leaders behind it.”

The curriculum is rooted in Fibre Fale’s comittment to breaking down barriers to digital and AI education, with key takeaways for participants being the understanding of how to interact with, implement, and adopt AI technology effectively.

Namulau’ulu says the initiative has been in the works for around five years, inspired by a sense of unfulfillment from their previous work refurbishing laptops.

Ultimately, the Masterclass aims to equip Pacific people to thrive in an AI-driven world.

“We want to set our people up to actually understand the nitty-gritty of it. At least you’ve got the whole basics in,” she says.

While fully understanding AI technology requires multiple levels, particularly data sovereignty and accuracy, Namulau’ulu says the New Zealand Government lacks an AI strategy.

She believes it is important to approach this at the governance level, where the ripple effect of change is likely to have more impact. She emphasises the need for collective involvement from government, industry, and community to shape AI regulation and education.

“Not everyone agrees to the same definition of sovereignty... Fibre Fale is at the forefront of trying to move that needle.”

The ‘Polypuff Girls’

Fibre Fale is an award-winning, purpose-driven organisation created to establish pathways for Pacific people into technology.

The small but mighty Fibre Fale team consists of Julia Arnott-Neenee, a co-founder and CEO, Namulau’ulu co-founder and director, and Saphron Matamua as the Head of Digital and Media, all of whom are nationally and internationally recognised Pasifika women with careers and expertise spanning corporate industries to grassroots initiatives.

“We call ourselves the Polypuff girls,” Namulau’ulu says.

'The PolyPuff Girls' of Fibre Fale. Photo/Screengrab/Fibre Fale

“Julia is our fearless leader. Her vision, her decisions that also include our input has really just driven us. Her leadership is like bomb.com. [She] has always had that strategic mindset and a born leader.

“Saphron, oh my goodness! She is the source that keeps myself and Julia on this road of advocacy. Yes, she's a perfectionist, but because of her eye for detail, her experience has really led to us looking amazing online and navigating the future of business as well.

“And then you have myself, who's just a multifaceted diamond. I am so grateful for those two because they've been able to see stuff that I haven't even seen in myself. I have had my own trauma in tech, but they've been able to debunk it and remind me of the diamond that I am.”

From mindful student to ‘thoughtful leader’

Namulau’ulu discusses her transition from learner to teacher and her internal challenges, including imposter syndrome and self-doubt.

“First of all, I was like, I don't have a teacher's degree... I’m trying to fight fatigue, fight laziness... but I had to keep pushing.”

She also reflects on the emotional weight and significance of launching the AI Masterclass, which has been in the woodworks for about five years.

“It really feels like an out-of-body experience... I had to reflect on the many years, the many sweats, the many cries… not just to make an AI masterclass, but to be a thoughtful leader.”

Register for the free AI with Eteroa Masterclass here.