Harnessing Pasifika culture to inspire learner success

Caption: MIT staff and students cut loose at the Blessing Ceremony for Bachelor of Education (Primary, Pasifika)

For 12 years, Hans Aiono did shift work as a load foreman with Air New Zealand. It wasn’t until he found himself helping his three sons with their school work over lockdown that Hans began thinking again seriously about pursing his passion for teaching.

“Growing up, I always loved the school environment,” says the 36-year-old “People used to say, you’re good with children. You’d make an awesome teacher. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have a second chance.”

MIT is proud Hans chose our School of Education as the place to start a new career through studying Bachelor of Education (Primary, Pasifika). The programme is designed to produce teachers from all backgrounds equipped with the practical experience and cultural competency to make a difference in today’s multicultural classrooms of Aotearoa – New Zealand. Particularly in south Auckland where 46% of the general population are Pacific peoples.

“It’s my first year,” he says. “I spend two days a week at Rowandale School (Manurewa). It’s a blessing being able to put the theory I learn into practice. For me being a Pacific Islander, I can relate to many of the children from that perspective.”

Last week, Mr Aiono, as a class representative, was student speaker at a special Blessing Ceremony for the qualification held at the institute’s Pasifika Community Centre in Ōtara. We celebrated what we have achieved so far in true Pasifika style with food, dance and music. The event was an opportunity for MIT to thank those in the community and at local schools who have partnered with us to develop the degree while also offering weekly placements to students from early in their study so they are well prepared to thrive in classroom environments and best support learners at this really important stage in their schooling.

Clendon Park School, Willowbank School, Finlayson Park School, Hillpark School, Rowandale School, Ormiston Primary, Māngere East Primary, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Junior School, The Gardens Primary and Tuakau Primary are all among the first schools to partner with us in supporting student teachers in their classrooms.

In a recent assessment of the degree, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and NZQA commented on the “authentic partnership, passionate commitment and substantial contribution evident to the panel when they engaged with the stakeholders. The panel was deeply impressed with the absolute commitment the partners had for the programme and it was clear that the partners have a sound understanding of the programme and its features and they’re also keen to get involved in the delivery of the programme to support student teachers to further develop the programme through ongoing partnership and continued feedback.”

Caption: Bachelor of Education (Primary, Pasifika) student Hans Aiono is excited about using cultural perspectives to inspire learners in reaching their potential.

The blessing ceremony also allowed MIT to acknowledge the contribution of senior lecturer Lila Tekene who sadly passed away recently. Lila was a passionate advocate for Pasifika learners and her work continues on in the cultural framework she gave to the programme of the Fatugātiti or the weaving of a waistband traditionally worn by dancers on ceremonial occasions signifying the status of the performer.

“The framework was developed by Lila,” says Head of School Kylie Smith. “She was a driving force in the development of this programme. The legacy she leaves with us makes what we do even more of a treasure.”

Pasifika values underpin the qualification including:

• Va Fealoa’i (respect, unity, harmony, relationships)
• Fa’a Pasifika or Pacific Way (culture, language and identity)
• Tomai ma agava’a (knowledge and skills)
• A'oa'oga ma le a'otauina, (teaching and learning)

The degree is delivered by a passionate group of lecturers who are committed to finding new ways of making learning come alive for their classes. Recently, this included a field trip to Oscar Kightley’s play Dawn Raids at ASB Waterfront Theatre as part of the students’ course Culturally Responsive Teaching.

MIT is grateful to Pacific Underground and Auckland Theatre Company for giving our students complimentary passes to the production recognising them as future teachers of the new New Zealand history content due to be introduced to the national curriculum from 2023.

“Having the chance to see the show allowed us to discuss with the class themes of racism, violence and what it was like to be a Samoan, Tongan or other Pacific Island nation families at the time of the Dawn Raids. We looked at the different approaches they would take teaching this with primary or intermediate students,” says senior lecturer Toleafoa Dr Yvonne Ualesi.

“The show was awesome in terms of what my parents would have gone through,” says Hans Aiono. “There were times (during the play) I cried when I felt sorry for the Pacific people. Lack of knowledge and communication leads to lack of understanding. I didn’t learn about it when I was at primary. It’s important we tackle these discussions earlier.”

More information on Bachelor of Education (Primary, Pasifika) and scholarship opportunities to pursue this course of study is available here

Caption: Students of the programme at the Blessing Ceremony of the qualification.