Celebrating Samoan Language Week
Celebrating Samoan Language Week across Barnardos Early Learning
Talofa lava!
There has been plenty of singing, dancing, creating, cooking and celebrating happening across Barnardos Early Learning this week as tamariki, whānau, educators and kaiako celebrated Samoan Language Week.
From colourful crafts and cultural performances to delicious kai, shared stories and learning new phrases, our centres embraced the opportunity to explore Samoan language, traditions and culture in ways that were hands-on, meaningful and a whole lot of fun.
As a Pasifika centre, celebrating Pacific languages, cultures and traditions is part of who we are, making Samoan Language Week a highlight on our calendar each year.
The week began with a special opening ceremony where tamariki proudly performed Samoan songs and tatalo for guests, including Barnardos Foundation Chair Angus Marks. Later in the week, parent Claire Faaee shared her sewing skills with tamariki, creating a lavalava for the centre's dress-up area while teaching Samoan words along the way.
The celebrations concluded with a visit to a Samoan church event in Woolston, where tamariki joined other schools and early learning services for performances, arts, crafts, weaving and shared kai.
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At Lower Hutt, the celebrations were made even more special thanks to one of the centre's parents, Sia, who generously donated fabric for tamariki and kaiako to create and wear their own colourful lavalava.
Seeing tamariki proudly dressed up, learning together and celebrating Samoan culture was a wonderful reminder of the important role whānau play in helping bring learning and celebrations to life.
There was plenty of creativity (and delicious smells!) at Porirua Early Learning Centre throughout the week.
Tamariki practised songs, created Samoan flags, explored weaving and printmaking, and even helped prepare traditional Samoan treats including suafa'i (banana pudding) and fa'apāpā (Samoan coconut bread). YUM!
The celebrations finished with a special performance for parents and aiga, followed by shared kai, plenty of smiles and a chance to celebrate together as a community.
From learning greetings and practising new phrases to exploring Samoan art, dance, language and traditional dress, children loved discovering different aspects of Samoan culture. Before long, “Talofa”, "Fa'afetai" and "Fa'amolemole" were making their way into everyday conversations as tamariki confidently shared their new knowledge with friends and kaiako.
At Barnardos Early Learning, we love celebrating the cultures, languages and traditions that make our communities so special. Whether tamariki are trying a new food, learning a new song or sharing part of their own culture with friends, these moments help create a strong sense of belonging and connection.
Most importantly, they create joyful learning experiences and lasting memories for our tamariki.
Fa'afetai tele lava to all of the tamariki, whānau, educators and kaiako who helped bring Samoan Language Week to life across our services.
