The devoted faiaoga (teachers) in aoga amata (Sāmoan language nests) have long nurtured the next generation in the warmth of the Sāmoan culture and language. To bolster their essential work and improve the wellbeing of both faiaoga and tamaiti (children), the Ola Malosi initiative was created.
This initiative focuses on developing a range of Sāmoan language learning resources to promote nutrition, movement, and communication, enriching the learning environment and supporting the holistic development of tamaiti.
To achieve this, Ola Malosi is supported by a dedicated collective of organisations including Tapasā, Sosaiete Aoga Amata Samoa i Aotearoa (SAASIA), The Heart Foundation NZ, Talking Matters, Pacific Kids Learning, and backboned by Healthy Families Waitākere. Systems Innovator for Healthy Families Waitākere, Ruta Tonumaivao explains.
“The co-design process we’ve gone through with the faiaoga and our partners has been integral to the development of these wellbeing resources. The wide range of expertise we have at the table means we can produce robust resources grounded in Sāmoan pedagogies”.
The initiative taps into the expertise of faiaoga ensuring that the resources are culturally meaningful. Building on the digital resource training faiaoga received from SASSIA, this initiative also aims to amplify those skills by leveraging a digital platform for the newly developed wellbeing resources.
Tapasā has a pivotal role as the architect of this initiative’s digital home. The website they are constructing is a tapestry of contributions from all partners. This includes food and nutrition resource links from the Heart Foundation NZ, a talanoa principles resource from Talking Matters, and the Minoi (link to story) guide and activity cards also developed by Tapasā.
The recent addition of Pacific Kids Learning (PKL) to the partnership introduces exciting new options for Ola Malosi. With PKL’s expertise in design, and experience creating Pasifika digital resources for young learners, there are opportunities to explore and develop audio-visual and 3D animated resources.
Director of Education and Partnerships for PKL, Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson is enthusiastic about the collaboration stating, “We’d love to explore how our work in the digital space can support this further.”
As the initiative progresses, the collaborative group behind Ola Malosi is preparing to present the draft website to key partners. This presentation marks an important step in realising the shared vision of providing culturally appropriate resources that empower both faiaoga and tamaiti to lead healthier, more active lives.
