Kia Orana!
Mel sat down to dive deep into the importance of cultural awareness and connection in education for our Pasifika community right here in the Bay!
The discussion covered building strong relationships, celebrating identity through events like the Pasifika In The Bay Festival, and creating environments where everyone can thrive. We’re gaining momentum in supporting our Pacific families and educators in the Waiariki Bay of Plenty Region.
Watch the full discussion now!
- The value of finding common ground between educators and students to build strong relationships and understanding [02:17].
- Personal reflections on how international experiences can broaden perspectives and highlight the strengths of New Zealand’s education system [06:12].
- The idea that effective teachers for Pacific students are those who excel at building commonalities and lasting relationships, regardless of their own background [10:27].
- The significance of creating school environments where teachers feel comfortable bringing their whole selves, including their cultural heritage, to their work [13:38].
- The need for strong, enduring relationships across the education sector to improve outcomes for children [17:19].
- The role of cultural celebrations, like the Pasifika Festival in the Bay [19:14, 24:54], in affirming identity, language, and culture, fostering a sense of belonging.
- Enthusiasm for collaboration and a shared commitment to supporting Pasifika students and educators [24:22].
LETS GO!
