Aiga Salevalasi Aoga Amata
Early Days
Inspired by Tangata Whenua
Informal talks and discussions on the possibility of starting a Language Nest for Samoan PreSchoolers began in 1988. One of the motivating factors at the time was the emergence of the Kohanga Reo movement in New Zealand that sought to promote the Maori language and culture and which established one of its first learning Centres in Wainuiomata in 1982.
Mrs Lusia Aiavao from the Early Childhood Development Unit in Epsom Auckland co-ordinated a meeting with interested community parents on the future of a Pacific Island Language Nest in West Auckland.
One of the chief concerns expressed by all the participants was that the next generation of Samoan and Pacific people in New Zealand was in danger of losing the ability to speak the language of their parents and grandparents. The natural flow on from this would be an indifference to the culture of their forefathers, which will ultimately lead to a generation lacking a sense of identity because of this disconnect with their historical roots.
Generations of achievement
Laying solid foundations for young lives
In December 2013 we appreciated the great support from families, parents and the community at our 25th Anniversary held at the West Auckland Sports Centre in Henderson. Two former Preschoolers Geraldine Mata and Eneli Mene gave excellent speeches on the day praising the positive influence early childhood learning has had on their lives.
The original building was upgraded in 2007 and we continue to make new and innovative changes to our learning environment with the help of fundraisings and successful grant applications.
Finally, while the journey over the 30 years has not been without difficulties and problems, we are proud to say that staff, parents and Management have been able to overcome each hurdle along the way because of the grace of God and the power of prayer.
May good fortune and success continue on into the future, as together we can all share in preparing our children and mokopuna to become respected leaders and citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand.
History
Paulo and Ivapene Ieriko first began their vision in 1988 for young Samoan and pacific children, and thrived into establishing The Aiga Salevalasi Aoga Amata (Charitable Trust) in 1992; which was the first purpose-built Pre School Centre for the Samoan Community under the auspices of the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Later renovated in 2007 and celebrated their 25th Jubilee in 2013. Today, we continue to grow and flourish to become one of the leading exponents of a learning environment for Samoan language, culture and preschool education.
"A sense of pride in who they are"
Language nest finds its feet
The hope was that by experiencing their own language and culture in a caring environment, children would develop a sense of pride in who they are, and in turn become attracted to positive learning relationships with one another and with staff as well as having support from parents and families.
The Language Nest (as ECE Centres were once called) was based initially at 30 Nikau Street New Lynn which used to be a small Anglican Church. It was then moved to a Class room at the New Lynn Primary School for a short period of time and then to 4 Tutuki Street Waterview – a small garage of one of the parents Mr and Mrs Salima Utumapu.
A successful application to the Ministry of Education enabled the Language Nest to find a new home at the grounds of Glen Eden Primary School where a new purpose-built building was completed at the end of 1991 and officially opened in 1992. The Principal John Wilmot and the Board of Glen Eden Primary School at the time were very generous in their offer of the section of land for us to lease.
A bold new venture saw a group of children, staff and parents travel to Samoa in September 1999 during the Teuila Festival. The local community were amazed at the fluency of our Preschoolers in the Samoan language during an evening performance at the Festival.