From 18 to 22 May, 2026, 23 members of police services from American Samoa, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, and Kiribati came together for one mission: to strengthen cyber awareness and to build digital resilience for Pacific communities.
The five-day Cyber Awareness Prevention and Education (CAPE) program focuses on educating and safeguarding Pacific communities about cyber safety. Its goal is to enhance awareness of the opportunities and risks present in the digital landscape, along with online preventative strategies. This is effectively accomplished through CSP's distinctive train-the-trainer model, which empowers and supports Pacific law enforcement officers to deliver cyber safety and awareness messages within their own communities.
The program included a series of interactive activities and group discussions led by CSP who provided insights into the latest cyberthreats and best practices for prevention. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, learning how to identify phishing attempts, secure digital communications, and safeguard sensitive information.
One of the standout moments was a collaborative group exercise where officers teamed up to present alternative delivery methods to the rest of the cohort. This experience not only boosted their confidence and public speaking abilities but also highlighted the significance of exploring presentation styles that are less reliant on technology (especially when delivering in the more remote communities and islands). Such styles tend to be more impactful and resonate better with youth, particularly those who learn through a visual and kinesthetic approach.
The top performers, who creatively integrated traditional Pacific-style dance into a poem (provided below) addressing the dangers of online trolling, were invited to showcase their performance to the Acting Commissioner of Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Service Papalii Eneliko Taeu and senior delegates and representatives from the Samoa-Australia Police Partnership during the closing ceremony. Their presentation was met with enthusiastic applause, as the rhythmic dance and poignant words combined to create a powerful message that lingered in the minds of the audience. This innovative approach not only captivated those present but also opened a dialogue about the importance of cultural expression in communication and education.
Title: ‘Think Before You Post’
Performed by: Constable Teitia Katea, (Tuvalu), and Corporal Tualoa Tusa, (Samoa).
Before you post, before you share,
Ask if it shows respect and care.
For words can build or break a day,
Or push someone the wrong way.
The screen is bright, the moment fast.
But words you send are built to last.
They travel far beyond your view,
To friends you know, to strangers too.
A careless joke, a laughing tune,
Can make a person feel alone.
While kindness typed with honest heart,
Can heal a life that is torn apart.
So, pause a moment, slow your pace,
Imagine every reader’s face.
And let your message clearly be,
One filled with peace and dignity.
Conclusion:
“This poem reminds us that online words are powerful and long-lasting. What we say on the internet can either hurt or help others, even when we don’t see their reaction. Online trolling shows how careless or negative comments can affect someone’s feelings, confidence, and mental wellbeing. The message is clear: we should think before we post, choose kindness over cruelty, and take responsibility for our digital actions. By doing so will create a safer, more respectful, and more positive place for everyone.”
Following the success of this presentation, plans are underway by the CSP team to incorporate similar creative exercises into future training programs, emphasising the value of diverse perspectives and methods in delivering crucial messages. The exercise served as a reminder that blending tradition with contemporary issues can lead to meaningful engagement and a deeper understanding among participants.
The CAPE program also encouraged the exchange of cultural perspectives on cybersecurity, recognising that local knowledge and community engagement are crucial in crafting effective strategies. Officers shared stories of how cyber issues have impacted their communities and discussed tailored approaches to address these challenges.
By the end of the program, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of strategies to implement in their home countries. The bonds formed during these days promised a future of continued collaboration, with the shared goal of creating a safer digital environment for all. As they returned to their respective islands, they carried with them not only newfound expertise but also a commitment to be champions of cyber safety in the Pacific region.
If you are interested to find out more about CSP and our delivery programs, please contact us via Cyber-Safety-Pasifika@afp.gov.au
