Ia manuia le Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa! (Happy Samoan Language Week!)
At BestStart Lambie Drive, we were delighted to celebrate Samoan Language Week with a variety of meaningful experiences that helped our tamariki learn about and appreciate the rich culture, language, and traditions of Samoa.
Throughout the week, our learning spaces were filled with excitement as tamariki participated in a range of hands-on activities. One of the highlights was creating tāpasa (traditional Samoan fans), where children explored patterns, creativity, and cultural symbolism while developing their fine motor skills.
Storytelling also played an important role in our celebrations. Tamariki enjoyed listening to the traditional Samoan legend of Sina and the Eel, a treasured story that sparked curiosity, imagination, and conversations about Samoan culture and folklore. Through storytelling, children were encouraged to listen, ask questions, and share their own ideas and interpretations.
A special part of our week was welcoming whānau into our centre to share their culture with us. Parents generously gave their time to teach tamariki Samoan songs, stories, and cultural traditions. These experiences provided authentic opportunities for children to hear and use the Samoan language while developing a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures within our community.
Throughout the week, we learnt and practised simple Samoan phrases, including:
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Talofa lava – Hello
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Fa'afetai – Thank you
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Tofa soifua – Goodbye
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O ā mai oe? – How are you?
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Manuia – Well done / Best wishes
Hearing these phrases used throughout the centre helped tamariki gain confidence in using another language and fostered a strong sense of belonging for our Samoan families.
We would like to extend a heartfelt fa'afetai tele lava (thank you very much) to all the families who shared their time, knowledge, and culture with us. Your contributions helped make this week a memorable and enriching experience for everyone.
We look forward to continuing to celebrate and embrace the many cultures that make our BestStart Lambie Drive whānau so special.