In a heartwarming initiative, three Niuean Mamas from Pacific Homecare’s Fia Ola programme, Milasa, Uina and Hei, came together to upskill and support young learners at Sir Edmund Hilary Collegiate through a weekly weaving class. Not only did this class aid in mastering the art of weaving, but it was also a beautiful exchange of knowledge and culture between two generations.
Over the last few weeks, the young learners would come together to weave every Friday at 1:50 pm. Head of the Department of Social Sciences, Kirsten Taranaki, says,
“They are learning so much from being with Milasa, Uina and Hei and not just about weaving, but about life in general, and it is really nice to see my students behaving differently around them. The first day the Mamas joined us, they “lologo” (sing) with our girls and since then are helping them be more confident, encouraging them to share their thoughts while they lalaga (weave) and just checking in with them.”
Their recent weaving project, ‘The Weave of our Four Winds,’ embodied sustainability and creativity. The students aimed to complete a shade sail prototype made of recycled materials (as pictured) and eventually want to work alongside the three mamas again on future projects, such as making a wall panel and “business for good” ideas – where the students can take the skills from these lessons, create sustainable crafts and sell them.
Niue mamas Uina, Milasa, and Hei have spent the last few lessons getting themselves and the young learners into a sound routine. They divide the students up and have each Mama take turns teaching them. Kirsten said they are the luckiest class to have this opportunity and feel thankful for being part of this initiative. Saying, “It is just really nice to be in the midst of such innovative women who are so knowledgeable and funny too. From my student’s perspective, they love how each Mama reuses items that would otherwise end up in landfills to create beautiful pieces and are enjoying connecting with them.”
Although this programme has now ended, it has already paved the way for deeper connections and richer experiences in our Pasifika cultures, illustrating that sharing skills can truly weave the fabric of our communities together.
What a beautiful way to explore creativity, highlight sustainability’s benefits, and share intergenerational knowledge.
