Samoan Language Week 2020 - Oso - the intangible gift.

I believe oso can be both tangible (food, presents, clothing, cultural items) and intangible (an experience, a feeling). Since high school I have had the privilege of leading students, teaching them singing and movement through Siva Samoa for the ASB Polyfest.

Being able to share this oso with Tamaki College for 11 years has been a highlight for me. Since 2010 I alongside my colleagues Ms Apelu, Ms George, Ms Robertson and Mrs Lote-Fepuleai, have been involved with the Tamaki College Samoan Group. We have seen hundreds of students come through and take part in the competition. The program is heavily centered around rehearsals and it is here that the students understand the intensity of training for a competition. We have been blessed to share this experience with a team of tutors who for the most part, have returned to Tamaki College to teach Siva Samoa.

It is a rich experience and one that our students enjoy every year. I see this as a form of oso because it is an experience that all involve can enjoy, learn from and share. Every year we have former students return to be a part of the experience. The competition element of the experience is always a goal - we want to win and we want to place. What we have done over the years is shift the focus from winning (which is a bonus) to learning, growing and celebrating together. The competition factor  We have used the Samoan Group and the competition as the vehicle to drive this. Our students have always responded to this purpose driven type of approach and when they reflect on their time in Samoan Group they comment on how much they enjoyed the 'team building' experience.

When I am in the middle of rehearsals I always ask myself 'why I am doing this?' It can be a stressful and draining experience and one where you want to get out of as soon as possible. I am reminded that this experience, although stressful for those leading, is one that the students enjoy and thrive in. Any experience where you can celebrate your identity, learn about others, work as a team, work towards a goal and strive for excellence is a great gift especially for our youth.