Samoan youth go back to their roots for sake of next generation

By Sia Talafou

​NZ born-Samoan youth from an Auckland church have been revitalising the traditions of their culture, ensuring it stays alive for the generation to come.

Statistics NZ reports that less than 50 per cent of Samoans in NZ speak two languages, a number which has been steadily declining since 2006. In response to this situation, the Grey Lynn Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa (EFKS) church has begun running workshops to teach their youth group of 30 young people how to perform traditional speaking practices, as well as teaching the group, who range between 13 – 25, how Samoans live back in the islands.

After an evaluation, church leaders found there was a need within the youth to understand formal Samoan language and traditions.

One of the church’s youth leaders Tauave Fepuleaii says it’s important to break down the stigma for Samoans who do not know fa’a Samoa (Samoan ways) and language.

“Because you can leave Samoa, but the Samoan ways do not leave you” says Fepuleaii.

“It’s [fa’a Samoa practices] in our church and family environments … fa’a Samoa is so embedded in who we are as a people.”

Eighteen-year-old Auckland university student and participant Luella-Leitchana Timoteo says there is an importance to understanding fa’a Samoa not only for herself but also so she can pass it on.

“When I have kids, I want to teach them the values and beliefs I was taught.”

Timoteo says her knowledge before was very limited, only understanding simple Samoan phrases.

“I went from knowing how to say basic words and sentences in Samoan to learning new things, such as how to say things formally to elders, and the minister of our church.”

The workshops also include learning how to prepare food, weave, debating, valaauga (traditional way of calling people to eat) and folofolo mea ai (custom of announcing food from guests). Meaning participants understood what life was like in Samoa, gaining a greater appreciation.

Ministry for Pacific Peoples says using the correct tools “can definitely revitalise Gagana Samoa to keep it alive and thriving”.

Timoteo says this inspires her to carry Samoan culture and traditions across NZ.

Written by Sia Talafou, who is working for PMN as part of an AUT journalism internship.