Celebrating Fiji Day to Embrace Pacific Culture and Harmony

This special day was filled with Fijian rhythms, delicious Kai, and a celebration of peace and harmony, aligning with the 'Belonging' strand of Te Whariki.

In Te Whariki, the belonging strand emphasises children developing a sense of belonging within their learning community, valuing relationships, and appreciating cultural diversity. Our Tamariki and teachers kicked off the day with a dress-up day in Pacific-inspired attire, predominantly in blue and white; colours that symbolise peace and harmony in many Pacific cultures.

The outfits added a festive touch to the day's activities and set the tone for a celebration of cultural connection and unity. The air was filled with the infectious beats of Fijian music as children and teachers danced together, moving to the lively rhythms of traditional Fijian tunes.

Everyone had a blast grooving to the music, learning a few Fijian dance moves along the way, and laughing together in the spirit of celebration. A highlight of Fiji Day was the sharing of Fijian Kai - specifically, the delicious kokondo (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice), a traditional Fijian dish.

Everyone savoured the unique flavours of Fijian cuisine, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Fijian culture through food. Through this celebration, we connected with the values of peace, harmony, and cultural appreciation as outlined in the Belonging strand of Te Whariki.

By embracing Fijian culture, our Tamariki and teachers gained a deeper understanding of the diversity within Pacific cultures and the importance of respecting and valuing different traditions. The day ended with smiles all around, as fun, laughter, and a sense of community filled our centre.

Celebrating Fiji Day at BestStart Kawaha Point was a wonderful way to strengthen our connections to Pacific cultures and reinforce our commitment to inclusivity and cultural appreciation in early childhood education.