At the 9th General Assembly of the Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education (ASPBAE), held in Vietnam in December 2024, Peter-Clinton Isaac Foaese was elected President of the organisation. His appointment marks a significant honour for Aotearoa New Zealand, placing a respected voice from our adult and community education (ACE) sector at the helm of a key international body.
Many across the ACE community will recognise Peter’s longstanding contribution to the sector. His journey with ASPBAE began over thirteen years ago, after attending his first ACE Aotearoa hui in 2012 alongside Analiese Robertson. Reflecting on that formative experience, Peter shares:
“Analiese encouraged me to attend a workshop, and I found her and the discussion extraordinary and inspiring. Soon after, I was nominated for the ASPBAE Basic Leadership Development Course in Myanmar in 2013, where the focus was on the youth constituency. That experience led to the development of the ASPBAE Youth Declaration. Since then, I’ve been a committed supporter of ASPBAE and ACE. Learning from others in diverse spaces including sustainable development, youth participation, civics education, and indigenous pedagogy broadened my horizons and inspired me to seek out opportunities for shared learning and to advocate for community education.”
Peter brings to the role a deep commitment to equality, equity, and education as a fundamental right which underpins all other rights. He says ASPBAE’s mission to expand access to quality education and promote lifelong learning aligns closely with his own philosophy:
“ASPBAE represents an international community of learners and educators grounded in flax-roots mātauranga, tikanga, and the principles of authentic participation and justice. It fosters solidarity and mutual understanding, especially in the face of the complex global challenges we all share. There is strength in standing together.”
Peter believes Aotearoa has a unique and vital role to play in this global movement. Drawing on examples such as Te Whiti and Tohu Kākahi, Kate Sheppard and Sir Edmund Hillary, he notes that while New Zealand is small, its impact can be profound. Te Tiriti o Waitangi, he says, provides a distinctive lens through which we can approach international education solutions.
A proud Samoan, Peter also brings the cultural value of Tautua—service— to his presidency.
“Tautua means selfless service to the village, servant leadership with and for others, upholding the principles of integrity, reciprocity, and responsibility. This value is central to how I lead and support the ASPBAE community.”
In his new role, Peter emphasises the importance of listening, learning, and enabling ASPBAE’s team—particularly the Secretary General Helen Dabu and staff—to deliver on the shared goals of ASPBAEs membership.
“I want to be a servant leader like those before me, providing responsible and supportive governance. Many of ASPBAE’s member communities are among the world’s most marginalised— especially indigenous peoples, women, disabled peoples, and youth. Our work is not to speak for them or decide what the solutions are but to stand beside them, amplify their voices their stories, in solidarity in their advocacy.”
Family remains central to Peter’s journey. His aiga travelled to Vietnam to celebrate his appointment, and he credits their support, especially mum Loto Foaese-Aiolupo, as foundational to his commitment to community education.
Looking ahead, Peter sees education as more critical than ever.
“In an era dominated by misinformation, artificial intelligence, conflict and emergencies, and polarising ideologies, education is our compass. It cultivates critical thinking, builds resilience, and creates space for genuine human connection. The ACE sector and ASPBAE offer powerful platforms for collective learning and action. At a time when many feel isolated, these networks help restore a sense of connection and shared purpose.”
Peter-Clintons family is from the villages of Faleula and Vailoa Faleata in Samoa; he is a first-generation Samoan kiwi, born and raised in Pito-one, Te Awakairangi, Whanganuia- tara. Through faith in Jesus Christ and lived experience of 18 years working as a youth and community worker, he advocates that no challenge or issue is insurmountable when we support individuals, aiga, and communities to have self-determination built on education and love. He thanks his parents for role-modelling servant leadership at home and in the community, and is inspired everyday by tamariki, rangatahi and whānau that he journeys with to positive change in their communities. He currently works at Mana Mokopuna the Children’s and Young Peoples’ Commission as the Manager of Participation and Engagement Team.