Confidence in one’s cultural identity is what Christchurch Tongan Methodist Church (Falelotu Kosipeli) Youth Leader Sami Paeahelotu i Vaitongi Fifita hopes young people will gain from this year’s Uike Lea Faka-Tonga - Tonga Language Week.
Paea, who is also the Chairman for Christchurch Tongan Youth Council, has been involved with the youth group at Falelotu Kosipeli for 15 years.
For the past four years, his group has played a major role in planning Christchurch-based youth programmes for Tonga Language Week, one of the nine Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) Pacific Language Weeks held annually.
“This year, we were given the opportunity by MPP to create an online digital launch programme for this year’s Tonga Language Week.”
The 10th edition of Tonga Language Week was launched online by Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Aupito William Sio on September 5 from Christchurch Methodist Church, with Paea and his youth group the driving force behind the milestone event.
“Tonga Language Week is always an opportunity for people to celebrate the value of the Tongan language and culture,” Paea says.
“I have been dealing with young people all my life, through church and community, and it is important we continue to encourage our young people and teach them the importance of our cultural identity, keeping the language and culture alive for this generation and the next.”
Paea (pictured left) is also featured on this year's Tonga Language Week poster, along with leaders and youth from Falelotu Kosipeli.
This year’s theme is Fakakoloa ‘o Aotearoa 'aki ‘a e Lotu Mo’oni, which in English means, Enriching Aotearoa New Zealand through prayer and faith, and was suggested by Komiti Ta’u Lea Faka-Tonga - Tongan Language Year Committee.
Each year a different theme is used to promote the richness of the Tongan language and culture with the Tongan community but also all New Zealanders.
This year’s theme is an extension of previous years themes enriching Aotearoa through the different aspects of the Tongan language in Aotearoa, and the theme is to encourage dialogue within the various Tongan communities to unpack and share in talanoa on how the Tongan language can enrich one's sense of belonging in Aotearoa.
Paea says the theme Lotu Mo’oni has different meanings to it.
“People will have their own interpretation of the theme…but to me as a Christian, it starts from us at home with our loved ones as we pray, have faith and take action.”
Having gotten the launch out of the way, Paea and his youth group are excited about taking part in the online activities which run from September 6-12.
“We want to wish everyone a happy and joyful Tonga Language Week - ‘Ofa lahi atu moe lotu hufia.”
If you would like to take part in the online activities, follow the NZ Tonga Language Week Facebook page.
You can also visit MPP for more information and resources.