Staff of Pasifika Futures took part in a week long programme which requires two-hours a day to learn and speak the Samoan language.
The short program entitled ‘Aganuu Samoa 101’ was facilitated by tutors Tuu’u Mary Kalala Autagavaia and Tanoa’i Reupena Michael Tanoa’i who each have a wealth of experience in the practice and teaching of Samoan culture and protocols.
The program supports and helps NZ born Samoans and people of other Pacific ethnicities to understand and utilise Samoan culture and language. It equips and encourages participants to use Gagana Samoa in every day settings as well as more formal events such as weddings, community meetings and other special or ceremonial occasions. The programme is a step by step guide on culture, history and practise and is taught in English and Samoan.
Taefu Heker Robertson, Pasifika Futures Director of Strategic Investments says the programme is an important introductory course for NZ-born Samoans and also non Samoans who are keen to build their confidence and knowledge of Samoan language and protocols.
“The unique teaching method ensures a full understanding of meaning, history and values behind each Samoan phrase and sentence that is taught, not only did this de-mystify and aid the learning process but it gave us the confidence to know what to apply to the appropriate occasion.”
“We have gained an excellent foundation in oratory skills that we can put into practise and build on. The emphasis on this programme for our organisation is enhancing our ability to reflect the culture and values of the largest Pacific group in New Zealand and improve our ability to engage appropriately with our Samoan stakeholders.”
“Samoan is a rich and beautiful language. It was great to see the Samoan participants instigating discussions with their elders as a result of the course and the non-Samoans enthusiastically applying their newly acquired Samoan around the office and inspired to learn more about the beauty of their own Pacific languages” says Robertson.
A follow up session is scheduled later in the year.