"We should not be defined by the smallness of our islands, but by the greatness of our oceans". by Dr Epeli Hau'ofa.
This quote was the epitomy of the Pasifika Conference,
During the school holidays, we registered for this 2024 Pasifika Conference. This was my first time attending a Union conference for Pasifika professionals who work alongside our Pasifika learners within New Zealand.
From the beginning of the conference till the end, lot of humour was used to dampen the blow of confronting statistics of our Pasifika learners. Issues as equitably, racism, misunderstanding and colonisation with our learners within our western education structures.
A few key note speakers shed light of how "forecasting our authenticity" by 'identity, language, digital spaces and 'va'.
Even networking alongside other Pasifika practitioners of how they've been able to use 'identity, language, digital spaces and va for sustainability.
There was a lot of 'rich' workshops that dived deep in our multi-dimensional culture and how we no longer be a bystander and how can we make a difference. Each speaker tells their story of how change can happen intentionally.
"Why does our cultural knowledge matter? ... "
* it's unique
* it's multi-dimensional
* it is necessary
"Find their stories, bring them to the classrooms .. "
Overall this workshop was enlightening, reminders of how we're to 'find our learners' stories and bring them to the classroom (fostering & cultivating an environment of learning).
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