Fale News 3 - 2010

8/8/2019 Fale News 3 - 2010

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August—October 2010ISSUE 3—2010

F A LE NEWS

Message from the Board Chairman...Message from the Board Chairman...Message from the Board Chairman...Message from the Board Chairman...

they did in 2009 and celebrated Adult Learners Week with thecommunity in a true Pasifika Style!! Each day of the week was

dedicated to an Island Culture, and for a few hours on that day

PEC “became” that Island paradise! Each day starting from

around ten am (whether bang on or as is fashionable in the is-

lands - 20 or 30 minutes after scheduled starting time) visitors

were treated to an array of displays, workshops and perform-

ances.

The Cook Islands heralded the start of Adult Learners Week

with a traditional opening. Each cormer of the room was set up

for a different taste of the Cook Islands. Traditional drums set

up in one corner, Tivaevae displays adorning an entire wall,

floral headwear, known as ‘ei katu’ demonstrations and even atable showing the different stages of making the delicacy known

as ‘poke’. Lunchtime saw a traditonal Cook Island spread

Adult Learners’ Week is an international initiative thathonours, promotes and celebrates Adult Learners and

Adult Education. This year Adult Learners Week ran

from Monday 6 September through to Friday 10 Sep-

tember.

Adult Education in Pacific terms has a wide and varied defi-

nition with many choices and options. Firstly there are cate-

gories such as language, dance, art, handcrafts, fashion,

music and food. Multiply that by the number of Island cul-

tures such as Tongan, Samoan, Niuean, Cook Islands,

Fijian, Tokelauan, Tuvaluan etc. Add to that the everyday

customs and rituals such as gift-giving, greeting people of

importance , birthdays, weddings, funerals etc and you willrealize its grandness. It is for this myriad of possibilities that

Pasifika Education Centre is challenged to be the

“Authority”This year PEC rose to that challenge again as

Adult Learners’ Week 2010—Pasifika Style

Please Turn Over

Talofa Lava!!.....Pasifika Education Cen-

tre has been kept busy with the ongoing

work in progress throughout our Pasifika

communities. In our last issue you would have read that

PEC’s Advanced Samoan Tutor, Tofaeono Tanuvasa Ta-

vale was honoured by Human Rights Commission. Joris

de Bres and Sam Sefuiva were on hand to acknowledge

Tanuvasa’s achievements in championing the Samoan

Language in education. Pasifika Edcuation Centre marked

the occasion with the presentation at our Lambie Drivepremises with notable guests including Tagaloa Peggy

Fairburn Dunlop and members of Tanuvasa’s family as

well as community Elders representative of our local

churches.

Working alongside AUT as part of their Advisory Group,

PEC is actively involved in evaluating the existing ‘Agents

of Change programme’ – a University sponsored youth

outreach programme currently being operated by the AUT

University recruitment team. The Agents of Change pro-

gramme cuts across a number of academic and progres-

sional areas namely; youth development, youth engage-

ment, social marketing and corporate social responsibil-

ity....watch this space.....

Adult Learners Week was once again a highlight on the

PEC calendar with Pasifika nations being celebrated on

individual days. The week held numerous opportunities for

visitors to immerse themselves in Paciific food, language,

dance and crafts.

Such was the success of the Adult Learners Week that

PEC plan to hold a follow-up Arts and Crafts week towards

the end of the year.

Community involvement for PEC also included the Celebra-

tion for the Elderly which was held in September. PEC has

collaboratively worked through the Pasifika Librarians Net-

work in ensuring this is a celebration to mark and pay respect

to our Elderly family members. With Glen Innes Library – Im-

raan and his team - buses were organised to bring families to

‘Southside’, taking in the Botanical gardens and sites in and

around Manukau City. In 2009 only a handful of Pasifika

families were able to attend this outing, however, this year our Pasifika families were well in excess of one hundred.

Celebrations were held throughout the week with workshops

from different community organisations, festivities, cultural

and art displays culminating in the outing.

As with some areas in life...a chance meeting occurred

which has now seen PEC become part of the main team in

publications of Eleitino Paddy Walker’s childrens books. This

is a project which has opened a ‘pandora’s box’ in terms of

treasures which Eleitino Paddy Walker has had in her keep-

ing. PEC is proud to be able to work with Cognition, a re-

nowned Educational organisation in bringing these treasures

to the public for all to enjoy.....another...watch this space!

Our PAFT – Parents as First Teachers programme is being

utilised in the community and our PAFT Educators are work-

ing hard to ensure that PEC is able to assist and support our

families. Group meetings and outings have been held and

this is a programme which we are sure will only get bigger!

See you next month... Alofa tele!!

Clyde Young

Pasifika Education Centre Board of Trustees Chairperson

8/8/2019 Fale News 3 - 2010


Page 2 FALE NEWS

offering fruit, poke and their popular version of Potatosalad known as Mayonaise or “Mainus”

Tuesday was devoted to the Island nation known as “The

Rock”. A troupe of performers from Hilary College greeted

the visitors with a rousing war dance before our Niuean

women demonstrated the art of embroidering pillow

cases. Lunchtime arrived, and as with the Cook Islands,

the Niueans nourished our guests with traditional dishes

such as takihi, alternating layers of sliced taro and paw-

paw soaked in Coconut cream and baked in an oven or

an umu, and a dish consisting of baked taro leaf parcels

of sausages, onions and coconut cream.

Ni Sa Bula Vinaka was the appropriate greeting for

Wednesday as it heralded the arrival of the Fijian commu-

nity. Guests were introduced to the Fijian art of tapa print-

ing known as ‘kesakesa’. Many members of the public

enjoyed the hands on experience of printing a design on a

patch of tapa cloth and taking it home as a keepsake.

Renowned Fijian singer, dancer, entertainer and poet

Sailasa Tora graced us with a 3-fold performance: 1) an

interpretation of a Fijian legend depicting the migration

and population of the Pacific Islands, 2) a War dance and

finally 3) a meke. Two cooking demonstrations followed

the cultural dance performance, the first, a demonstration

of Kokoda, which is the fijian take on the raw fish dish asis common to other island groups. The second demon-

stration showcasing Fijian cuisine was the making of

Vakalolo, a sweet pudding dressed with Caramelised co-

conut sauce.

Samoa was the flavour of the house on Thursday and as

is fitting and deemed appropriate in their culture the wel-

come took place in the form of an ‘ava feiloaiga’, or a wel-

coming Kava Ceremony. The recipients made up of cul-

tural leaders, prominent community members and distin-

guished guests were invited to form the circle to receive

the token, a half coconut shell containing the ceremonial

brew. Immediately following that the visitors were treatedto ‘breakfast’ Samoan style which consisted of Koko laisa

(Cocoa Rice), Sua Fa’i (Sago and Banana porridge) and

toast with siamu popo, a coconut caramel spread similar

to jam. After breakfast our guests were treated to some cul-tural craft workshops. The Elei designing was popular where

visitors learned how to place intrricate floral and cultural icons

onto fabric. Another workshop showed some of the various

crafts that could be fashioned out of coconut and palm

leaves. While a pair of female dancers entertained the audi-

ence with some traditional Samoan siva, the aroma of Sa-

moan food wafted into the room as lunch was being pre-

pared. Diners feasted on a lunch of Sapa Sui (Chop Suey)

and moa (Chicken) covered the table with side dishes such

as taro and cooked green bananas.

Last year our Tongan Community kicked off our ALW week-

long celebrations with a bang! This year they were chosen toclose off our week and they did only as they know how: on a

grand scale! From the moment one walked in the door, one

felt as though he had walked into a tongan village. The deco-

rations, the ornaments, the wall hangings were so im-

macualate. The walls were covered from floor to ceiling with

mats and tapa cloths. There were speeches, dance perform-

ances and awards given to prominent leaders from each is-

land community who had helped make the ALW celebrations

at PEC a success. A group of women who meet at One-

hunga Community Centre attended en masse and performed

a Zumba exercise routine for the audience. Lunchtime arrived

and the visitors were treated to an Island feast of Pork, beef,

chicken, chop Suey, Potato Salad, ‘hopa’ – A type of plantain

banana - and for dessert some faikakai – coconut caramel

dumplings. A large bowl of tropical fruits and some ‘otai’ – an

apple juice based fruit punch - were also on hand to wash it

all down.

The week was a busy one and was finally over! Pasifika Edu-

cation Centre would like to thank all who contributed to its

success. It is estimated that during the 5 days we celebrated

Pasifika Adult Learners Week up to 300 visitors walked

through our doors!!

Adult Education is important in our eyes and plays an impor-

tant part in the lives of Pacific people. We tip our hat to allwho are still involved in Education, what ever form that may

be. We stand proudly behind the adage that one is never too

old to learn. Learning is a cradle to the grave process…take

Adult Learners’ Week 2010—Pasifika Style (Continued)

8/8/2019 Fale News 3 - 2010


New PEC Staff MembersNaomi Patterson is PEC’s

new Learning Manager. Her

mother hails from Nikau-

para, Aitutaki and her fa-

ther is a New Zealander,

Papa`a. Alongside the cul-

tural values she was raised

with she has a whakapapathat begins in Taranaki.

Naomi has been involved in the tertiary education

sector for a number of years. Within the sector

she has been a student, a student politician, a

tutor, an advisor and a manager. The role of

Learning Manager will benefit from the broad

range of skills that Naomi brings to PEC, but more

importantly they will add to strong foundations

that have been built by the people who have gone

before her.

Temukisa Lemoa is PEC’s Pastoral

Care Administrator and is excited

to be in her new role.

Born and raised in Vailoa Faleata,

Apia, “Kisa” migrated to New

Zealand to continue her studies.

Her past work experience has

included working as an administrator in the IT and

Banking industries.

Now happily married and a mother to 4 children,

Kisa’s motherly instincts match neatly with her

duties as a liaison with PEC’s many students who all

have differing abilities and backgrounds.

“My passion is to empower Pacific people so that

they can broaden their horizons and rise to their

potential. When our people believe in themselves

they can achieve great dreams”

We welcome Naomi and Temukisa to our team!!

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8/8/2019 Fale News 3 - 2010


Samoan Mothers lead the way

Long after their class has ended and their fellow class-mates have gone home, Samoan mothers, TofiTaimalie and Sofaea Asiono can be found labouringaway in the computer lab, practising skills learned in

class that day and working on exercises that willprepare them to pass important assessments. Such isthe dedication to their studies that they can also befound in the lab working in the hours before their

course starts and also on their days off!

“I don’t have a computer at home so I need to comehere and make use of these free computers here” says

mother of 7, Tofi Taimalie

Originally from Vaoala in Vailima, Tofi had worked inthe sewing and embroidery industry upon arriving inNew Zealand up until 2 years ago when a family death

meant her brother’s young family needed extra helpand care. With new-found time on her hands Tofidecided it was time to further her studies. Afterfinding a pamphlet in her mail box advertising freeEnglish language and Computer courses, Tofi enrolledinto the Level 2 Computing course at Pasifika

Education Centre.

Mother of 4 boys, Sofaea Asiono’s path to PEC was alittle different. As a single mother, her first priorityhas always been her sons. Rather than work in full orpart time employment she has always preferred to bea stay at home mother to be directly involved with

her sons’ learning. Although Sofaea had previouslycompleted a Short Course in Computing at ManukauInstitute of Technology she was still unsure about a lotof things and was left wanting more. Sofaea spottedan ad in the Samoan Newspaper advertising the freeComputing Level 2 course at PasifikaEducation Centre and subsequently enrolled into that

course.

Tofi had also completed computer studies as part ofher sewing job, but it was very basic and outdated.

This time around she delights in the fact that she nowknows how to connect to the internet and send

emails, “just like my sisters can do!” She adds

“I knew I had to take this free opportunity because Iknow I can do more like stepping up to the next level

after this one is finished!”

Sofaea says she isn’t so amazed now when she seesladies older than herself working with computers injobs such as office reception and in shops such as NZPostshop, because she is confident she could also dowhat those ladies are doing! Her most important skillsshe has learned on the course thus far are how to use

the Microsoft Office Programs Excel and Access.

The two mothers both agree the ethnic mix in theclass creates a great learning atmosphere making itinteresting to attend each day. Sofaea adds “We havea great kaiako and he’s not too strict on us, and we alllaugh together and mix and mingle and enjoy eachother’s company. We love each other – It’s like we are

a big family!”

To their fellow Pacific Island females the two mothershave a message: Take Advantage! “I have been tellingall my friends at church about the courses so

hopefully they will join a course next year” says Tofi.Sofaea encourages mothers who are at home duringthe day to take advantage of these courses while theyare free “Drop the kids at school in the morning andthen go to a course! It’s better than staying at home

doing nothing!”

Sofaea Asiono (left) and Tofi Taimalie enjoy their time on the computers

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8/8/2019 Fale News 3 - 2010


On Monday 27th September 2010 Autism Aotearoaorganised a family day which enabled families withchildren who have Autism to attend a moviescreening. The Glenbrook Vintage Railway gener-

ously donated a free train ride.Pasifika Education Centre was invited by AutismAotearoa to participate in this special occasion. Toshow our gratitude and enthusiasm to be involvedin such a cause PEC donated PEC bags and PECt-shirts which were autographed by Dr JeremyStanley, a former All Black rugby international andnow an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Auckland Hospital,but more importantly a father!

Tracey Gayner is the founder of AutismAotearoa . She works tirelessly in trying to provideinformation regarding support to families who havechildren with Autism. For this wonderful event totake place, Tracey had to gain permission from theoriginal producers of Thomas and the MagicRailroad in America before being able to go aheadwith the screening. Acknowledgement was given toGlenbrook Vintage Railway for kindly providing afree train ride for the children.

It is through community engagement and

PEC and Aotearoa Autism

colleagues such as Tracey Gayner, that PasifikaEducation Centre are able to participate in suchevents. The screening of the movie was notstraight forward.....a Sensory Screening – is where

the lights are left on, captions/subtitles (if avail-able) are on, the volume is lowered and familiescan bring their own food to accommodate for thechildren’s diet. Tracey also arranged ‘preparationvisits’ to the venue to lower the children’s anxietyof being in unfamiliar surroundings.

Tracey has been involved in feedback parentpanels, community consultation, ASD events, pilotASD programs, advocacy and raising awarenessabout Autism and International Autism AdvisoryBoard. Today, 1 in 100 individuals are diagnosedwith Autism and the condition is too often referredto as an ‘invisible’ disability. Tracey notes it re-spectfully“It is difficult for children and adults who have anautism spectrum disorder to make sense of theworld. They look the same as other people, yethave a life-long developmental disability affectingsocial and communication skills”

Lemuelu Schuster, aged 4, enjoying Family Day

Aotearoa Autism is about raising awareness and understanding of Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorders. Aotearoa Autism aims to

provide safe and welcoming environments for families to be able to experience activities together. Aotearoa Autism supports

diverse communities through information, education and research.

If you would like more information please contact :Tracey Gayner

021 0700 349

[email protected]

Page 5

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Pasifika Education Centre is the “Parents as First Teachers” provider for the Auckland Central Region

Coffee Time!!Our first PAFT Group outings were held on Wednesday 6th October 2010 and also on Thursday 7th October 2010. The

aim of these outings was first and foremost to provide a social environment in which mothers and their babies could meetother mothers and babies for ‘coffee time’ and secondly to allow mothers the opportunity to meet the PEC PAFT Team –Educators Beverly Manetoa and Evelyn Stanley and Coordinator, Cecily Mantell. It was decided to hold the same eventover two days to allow mothers the choice of which day they could attend.

The venue – Parents Inc, - was spacious allowing room inside for mothers with pushchairs and prams and the comfort of being able to breastfeed without feeling uncomfortable or causing distress to others. The cafeteria offered fresh andhealthy snacks and food with a selection of coffees and teas at reasonable prices.

The play areas for the children were also spacious with an array of toys for the children from babies to toddlers through tothe 3+ age group. The areas were bright, warm and cosy for the children as well as the parents.

The informal nature of the meeting allowed the mothers to feel relaxed and although the time frame was set from 11am to1pm, the two hours flew by!

The PAFT team at PEC would like to thank all the mothers and their babies who attended the “Coffee Time” Morning Teaand look forward to their next social outing— a picnic in the warmer weather of November! See you then!

Left: Cousins Tzipora Thomas and Oscar Stanley pose

next to their native Niuean greeting

Right: Some of the PAFT mothers and their children at

“Parents Inc.”

PAFT IN THE COOK ISLANDS

This is a contribution from Anna Savage, PAFT Coordinator for Rarotonga, whose parents recently visited Pasifika Education Centre and took back resources for Anna to

use in the Cook Islands.

It happens so quickly. In no time parents find their children have finishedschool and are ready for the next step. How can parents help? What about the

workforce? Is tertiary study the right thing? What about the variety of careersout there today?

There is help for parents as they face these questions. The Ministry of Educa-tion’s itinerant Career Counsellor, Robyn Cannell and Te Kakaia Coordinator,Anna Savage teamed up this term to provide a series of four hour-long, freeworkshops for parents entitled “Careers for your teens”, “Is tertiary study rightfor my teen?”, “Work” and “Tips for parents - how to support your teens”. Par-ents were able to find out the top ten skills employers are looking for, to dis-cover the huge influence they have on their children’s careers, to listen tosome inspiring stories of positive parental influence and to hear and learnsome simple and practical ways to support their children.

Parenting is a job. Up skilling is vital. Parental feedback has been positive.These workshops will run again next year to equip and support parents and

grandparents in their most important role as the first teachers of their children.

Thanks Anna—PEC wish you and your team the best!!

Above: Storytime outside the Library, with

Anna (Centre) and mothers Selena and Eloise.

Below: Parents’ Workshop at Tereora

Documents

Fale News 3 - 2010