Auckland Tokelau Fono Summary – Conversation space

"There is lack of consideration and acknowledgement of religious backgrounds of the Pacific Islands."

"We need to have more Pasifika ELS/EIT/support staff to discuss for example autism to Pacific families."

Comments are strongly supportive of the areas of focus for the Action Plan
There is support for anything to do with valuing the Tokelau language
Community participation and involvement is one of the key factors in Pacific children succeeding
Cultural backgrounds need to be incorporated in to learning spaces and events like Polyfest should be encouraged. It is important to teacher language and cultural practices
Parents should be supported to be more involved in schools
Acknowledging the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community is an important way to minimise discrimination

Better support for children with health and wellbeing issues and Pasifika support staff to support families with children with additional learning support needs and disabilities.
Language speaking teachers to support the main teacher
We also need more male Pacific teachers as role models
Religious learning. Some see the loss of value of religion in education as a threat to learning for Pacific students
IELTS is a disadvantage to Pasifika people – need to address this
Need to find a way for more children and young people to study and learn about some of the issues raised through the fono
Addressing poverty and affordability

Pacific learners faiths and beliefs and cultures are valued in education
Pacific learners and their families are free from racism and discrimination in education
There are no financial barriers to accessing education for Pacific learners and families
Pacific learners and their families feel accepted and included