I hope that you are keeping safe and looking after each other during this lock down period. Below is some information that we thought might be interesting and useful. In summary, it is an education program designed to help Pacific families have access to the advice and guidance they need at home to support their children’s education in their own languages.

Talanoa Ako Talanoa Ako (to talk and discuss education and learning) is a Pacific Responsive Education Programme that builds Pacific families knowledge about education and learning. 

The 10 week programme builds the confidence and capability of parents to support their children’s learning and have equitable partnerships with their children’s schools. 

As the Talanoa Ako Programme cannot be delivered face-to-face, the 10 sessions will be provided via radio and an app. This ensures Pacific families have access to the advice and guidance they need at home to support their children’s education in their own languages.

Pacific Media Network Radio Station and Language Programmes (https://www.pacificmedianetwork.com/) 

Over 10 weeks, there will be ten 30 minute Talanoa Ako sessions per week beginning 20th April. They will be delivered on the English (531pi), and Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Tuvalu and Tokelau language programmes in full immersion by one primary and one secondary teacher. The timetable of sessions is in the attachment at the end of this article.

Talanoa Ako Digital App – due to be released in late May

The 10 sessions and Talanoa Ako resources will also be made available on an interactive and immersive Digital App with iOS, Android capability so that the content is accessible on mobile phones and tablets. 

The app will include up to 20 App Screen pages for each language; Swipe to Read, Touch to Hear, Tap to Pronounce functions in English and seven Pacific languages; visually impaired functionality; songs and prayers with interactive audio; user editable notes with full screen, high res and exportable, import/export and share functionality; app analytics and reporting; and a Tutorial on how to use the App.