For over 40 years we have been supporting people to learn and gain confidence with Pacific languages and culture.  Our tutors are all proficient and experienced in their language and culture and we support them to ensure they can share this with others. For the following languages, we are able to offer a range of NZQA approved courses

Basic Introduction to Pacific Identity, Language and Culture

This course is designed for people who have NEVER taken a PEC language course before and have no language fluency in their chosen Pacific language. The aim of this programme is for learners to gain the basic skills related to the Pacific language and the culture of the people the language represents.

KEY TOPICS:

• Geography and demographic information about Pacific country, Pacific values (including respect), origins of the Pacific country, my identity, my name, my home, my family, grandparents, ancestors, Pacific alphabet. Communicate key information
• My family tree, my surroundings, my friends, Pacific alphabet, numbers and time
• Pacific life-events (births, weddings, funerals) seasons, days, weeks and months
• Numbers, using the days of the week, months, dates, use and respond to simple basic classroom language (including asking where is the chair etc.)?
• Food, parts of the body, household items
• Interact and introduce yourself and others and respond to introductions
• Preparation for student presentation.

OUTCOME:

To develop knowledge and skills to be able to use greetings, build vocabulary and converse at a basic level in a Pacific language and act in a culturally appropriate way.

Everyday Conversation in a Pacific Language for Aotearoa

This course is designed for people who have previously taken and completed the Basic Introduction course in their chosen Pacific language and should now move to the next level. The aim is to develop language and cultural knowledge to enhance communication and interactions with other speakers of a Pacific language.

KEY TOPICS:

• Describe core Pacific values and principles and cultural norms about a Pacific country. Recap of Pacific alphabet and pronunciations.
• Build knowledge about key family roles and increase honorific terms and language skills
• My family tree and relationships to the fanua/enua/fonua and/or surroundings. Role play for Pacific life-events.
• Build knowledge about community and/or workplace roles and increase language skills.
• Pacific life-events and customary gift-giving (birthdays, weddings, funerals).
• Build knowledge about directions, places and seasons to present an opinion about a Pacific cultural practice.
• Pacific culture, honorific language and role-play activities.
• Communicate sentences for everyday conversations.
• Prepare for student presentation.
• Use a Pacific language to deliver an individual presentation, song, speech or dance.

OUTCOME:

Learners build on the basic level with the introduction of knowledge and skills for individual learning through communication, interactions with other Pacific language speakers of a Pacific language within the family, workplace or community settings.

Maintaining a Pacific Language and Culture

This course is designed for people who have previously taken the Everyday Conversation course in their chosen Pacific language and should now move up to this level and engage in conversation. The aim is to further develop Pacific skills including cultural and historical knowledge.

KEY TOPICS:

• Use key facts about a Pacific country to communicate about key relationships between people within the country
• Communicate key country about relationships between people in the family and/or workplace setting
• Communicate life events. Use terminology used in family situations and understand the importance of cultural behaviour/habits and taboos
• Use new information to discuss cultural protocols with family and friends
• Cultural tools for gift-giving.
• Presentation for student presentations
• Use a Pacific language to deliver an individual presentation, song, speech or dance

OUTCOME:

Learners will build their competency in their chosen language, including cultural knowledge.

Samoan Fa’amatai Bi-lingual Programme

This course is designed for people who are New Zealand born and raised, have become matai and would like to know more about understanding and participating in extended family occasions that require a working knowledge of gagana fa’amatai.

The aim is to enrich Samoan matai, both male and female, who are raised in Aotearoa with Samoan values, protocols and practices.  The programme also contributes to the building of confidence and uphold certain obligations through service to their communities here in Aotearoa and back in the homeland of Samoa.

KEY TOPICS:

• Oratory skills and cultural practices
• Leadership skills
• Genealogy
• Memorised and structured oration
• Presentation skills
• Team work

OUTCOME:

Learners/participants will be able to present themselves in accordance with their status in the community and apply specific skills appropriate to community cultural events.

SAMOAN ORATORY

This course is designed for people who are Samoan born and raised or have a fluent command of Gagana Samoa.  Participants are matai and would like to know more about understanding and participating in extended family occasions that require a skilled and artful articulation of gagana fa’amatai. There is no English spoken in this class at all.

The aim is to enrich Samoan matai, both male and female, who are raised in Aotearoa with Samoan values, protocols and practices.  The programme also contributes to the building of confidence and uphold certain obligations through service to their communities here in Aotearoa and back in the homeland of Samoa.

KEY TOPICS:

• Cultural norms that apply to the titles of matai in Samoan culture
• Honorific Samoan language
• Ceremonial practices
• Presentation skills

OUTCOME:

Learners/participants will be able to present themselves in accordance with their status in the community and apply specific skills appropriate to community cultural events.  They will also be able to use rare metaphors and skilfully weave biblical references into speeches that elevate the status of who they represent and act as an orator.