'Mamanu': Intensive Full-Week Cultural Programme

Throughout 2021, TYMS will be delivering a series of Cultural programs for the purpose of reconnecting youth to culture in way that is relevant and engaging. 

The aim for these upcoming programs is to respond to the need of New Zealand-bred Pasifika youth who were experiencing a disconnect in knowledge, language and belonging to their culture.

Samoan Edition - 'MAMANU' (Design)
January 25th to January 29th

Mamanu is a one-week ethnic specific (Samoan) cultural program, that was designed for Samoan boys in  looking to reconnect with Pacific Culture. We had 10 boys enrolled for this intensive week, in between 11-16 years old engaging in daily interactive learning workshops, cooking sessions and cultural experiences. 

On the final day of the program the group were taught how put together an Umu (traditional ground roasting) which was shared amongst their families, mentors & community stakeholders over a presentation dinner.

'Ofaga': After-school Samoan  Cultural Programme​
​For Senior Secondary Students

After a successful turnout with Mamanu, TYMS developed the 'Ofaga' programme to ensure we could deliver cultural programmes that could be applicable throughout the school term. 

​The Ofaga ("nest") programme is a 6 week after-school cultural workshop designed for Senior Secondary Students (Year 11 - Year 13) who are wanting to strengthen their cultural awareness and understanding of Faʻa Sāmoa.

 The purpose of Ofaga is to teach the foundational values and history of Samoan culture in a way that’s relevant and engaging for our NZ-bred Pacific youth.

Across weekly workshops Ofaga will cover aspects of Fa'a Samoa, Samoan History, Migration (Auckland Diaspora to Dawn Raids) Musical Composition, study of traditional values & customs, as well as the intricate formalities and procedures of Samoan culture.

Impact story

It was our fourth session at Liston College, and our weekly topic was on the Dawn Raids and its impact on Pacific diaspora within Auckland. What was supposed to be a short 20 minutes, ended up going until 5pm as founding members of the Polynesian Panthers movement, Will ‘Ilolahia & Mesepa Edwards stayed behind to share their stories and watch the folasaga’s (Samoan introductions) that each of the Liston students had prepared.

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We were extremely lucky and grateful to Mr ‘Ilolahia and Mrs Edwards for sharing their wealth of knowledge with our young Pasifika men. This session was voted the highlight of the programme from 97% of the students in our post-evaluation survey. ​

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To find our more about either of our TYMS Cultural programmes please contact our Project Manager Idris Balizi via email at idris@tyms.org.nz for more information or how to get your school/young person involved.