Celebrating 'Tongan Language Week' at Tamaki College

FAKAKOLOA 'O AOTEAROA 'AKI A E 'OFA FONUA

Enrich Aotearoa with the love of duty and service to country, community and people

Tongan Language Week kicked off on September 3rd at Tamaki College. Throughout the week, our Tongan staff members shared and reflected on what the theme means to them. We had a choir competition, between all four House groups (Kowhai, Puriri, Totara and Rata), a Quartet singing competition and a speech competition. We finished the week off with a lunch and items from the students. 

We celebrate language(s) week every year from Samoan, Cook Island, Tongan, Maori and Niuean. This past week was something special. To see the young people get involved in the choir competition was the main highlight for me. Singing as a collective, in three part harmony is just the same as learning a set play for a rugby team. Everyone has a part to play, everyone's effort is crucial in making sure that the final product is complete. The young people did such a great job, especially those who are from different cultural groups or those who are not fluent in their own language - the singing, the song, the music - it brought everyone together. I have always said this to the students who I look after and tutor in the Samoan Group, but there is nothing more beautiful than singing in your own mother tongue. The Pasefika Education Plan 2013-2017 states that "Pasifika Success will be characterised by demanding, vibrant, dynamic, successful Pasifika learners, secure and confident in their identities, languages and cultures." The more we use language, the more we encourage and strengthen their identity, the more we acknowledge their cultural values, the more we bring our young people together like this - the more we are doing in strengthening their identity. 

Tamaki College Tongan Group 2018 - Performing the Maulu'ulu (2nd Place) at the ASB Polyfest 2018

The theme of the Tongan Language Week is a theme that is relevant to everyone. Service and love to our spouses, children, families, community, school, churches - is a service that should always be done in love. Thank you Tamaki College for bringing this theme and language celebration to life.