A special ceremony held in Christchurch recently honored Pacific early learning center educators who have provided over 30 years of service to the community. The event recognized the immense contributions of teachers at six Pacific early learning centers in Christchurch, collectively known as the Pacific Early Learning Services (PELS). This initiative was supported by the Ministry of Education through the Pacific Innovation Fund. The event was not just a celebration of the dedication and hard work of these educators but also an acknowledgment of the impact they have had on countless children’s lives over the decades.
Former alumni Tuilaepa Tumama Tu’ulua, along with his wife Kalameli, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. In 2023, they were approached to develop a recruitment strategy for PELS, and they embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly. Kalameli, who was already engaged in similar work as part of her Master’s with another community group, submitted a proposal for creating the recruitment strategy. Her proposal, which emphasized flexibility for PELS in terms of implementation, was approved, leading her to interview center staff, management, parents, and community members both in person and via online surveys.
Developing a Comprehensive Recruitment Strategy
The resulting strategy was divided into three key goals: strengthening the pipeline, creating and refining the PELS brand, and retaining and developing current staff. Strengthening the pipeline involved encouraging individuals to pursue early childhood education (ECE) as a career and attracting both staff and children to Pacific centers. The goal of creating and refining the brand focused on promoting PELS centers to the broader community. Retention and development targeted pathways for existing staff to upskill while ensuring they felt valued and appreciated.
Upon completion of the strategy, Tumama and Kalameli initially thought their role was complete. However, in February, they were asked how much of the proposed strategy they could help deliver. Leveraging their extensive experience in education, they submitted a new proposal and began implementing various projects, including organizing and attending events, creating content, managing social media, designing resources, and developing programs. The couple’s devotion to PELS has clearly extended beyond mere plans, as they continuously strive to bring the strategy to life, ensuring lasting improvements.
Personal Significance and Community Impact
Tumama reflected on the personal significance of this work, noting the full-circle moment of giving back to the community and educators who shaped his life. Now, with his own daughters attending one of the Pacific centers, he finds the work even more rewarding. Tumama emphasized the challenges faced by educators, particularly in early childhood education within the Pacific context in Christchurch, acknowledging that teaching is inherently difficult. This acknowledgment underscores the value of the contribution these educators make to the community, underlining the importance of their recognition.
At the event, Tumama honored two of his former teachers from Mapusaga Aoga Amata, Fa’amavaega Saofa’i, and Elisapeta Vili, who remain integral to the center. He shared the deep connection both he and his wife have with these centers, with his wife having attended another Pacific early learning center, managed by her mother. This personal connection to the centers and their educators highlighted the couple’s dedication to improving and sustaining these valuable community resources. The emotional resonance of their involvement brought greater awareness to the broader community about the significance of ECE.
Addressing Broader Challenges and Ensuring Sustainability
The need for support for Pacific centers prompted Tumama and Kalameli to step in, driven by a sense of responsibility as former students and now as parents. They recognized the broader challenges faced by Pacific centers across New Zealand, noting that sustainability is a key focus. The goal is to establish a sustainable model that leverages the entire community beyond just ECE, ensuring that the centers are not solely reliant on individual or small group efforts. Their vision of a collaborative and inclusive approach became a vital part of their strategy, one that aims to get everyone involved in supporting these centers.
Tumama reinforced the idea that while the contributions of these educators are immeasurable, the dinner celebration was a significant first step in acknowledging their service. His reflections underscore the ongoing work needed to support and sustain Pacific early learning centers and ensure that they continue to thrive in the future. Recognizing the enormity of this task, Tumama and Kalameli’s continuous efforts symbolize the commitment required to bring about lasting change. This recognition serves as motivation for continuous efforts in providing adequate support and bringing about lasting transformation in Pacific early education.
Celebrating Decades of Dedication
A special ceremony in Christchurch recently honored educators from six Pacific early learning centers who have served the community for over 30 years. These centers, collectively known as the Pacific Early Learning Services (PELS), have made significant contributions to early childhood education. The event, backed by the Ministry of Education’s Pacific Innovation Fund, celebrated the educators’ dedication and the lasting impact they’ve had on many children’s lives.
Tuilaepa Tumama Tu’ulua and his wife Kalameli, both former alumni, were instrumental in organizing the celebration. In 2023, they were tasked with developing a recruitment strategy for PELS. Embracing the challenge, Kalameli incorporated her experience from a similar project she was part of while pursuing her Master’s. She submitted a flexible proposal for the recruitment strategy, which was approved. This approval led her to conduct interviews and collect insights from center staff, management, parents, and community members through in-person meetings and online surveys. Their efforts highlighted the continuing importance and influence of these dedicated educators in shaping their community.
