Your...Stand, Position, Talk, Walk
- Misa Janet Ta'afili Tuitama
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Importance of Samoan Language Week
I had the honor of being the School Chaplain at Robertson Road School in Mangere, where Samoan Language Week was celebrated each year throughout my seven-year service. The Samoan Bilingual classes would participate in daily devotions, school-wide lessons, and student speeches, all leading to the finale of Samoan performances by the students. The theme in 2021 particularly resonated with me: “Poupou le lotoifale, Ola manuia le Anofale - strengthen the posts of your house, for all to thrive”. During that period, Aotearoa was experiencing uncertainty, with many communities and cities being stretched and encountering significant challenges that would impact families, schools, businesses, and the entire nation. This theme highlighted the importance of individual strength within the family and community, stressing that our shared success relies on supporting one another. The themes chosen for each Pacific Language Week each year serve as a 'Statement of Action' and convey the right to speak with confidence and assurance, which we uphold for strength and resilience.
2025 Alaga'upu
We draw strength from our own cultural beliefs, proverbs, and learnings, and from there we begin to understand the implications of what life challenges bring, allowing us to stand strong, drawing comfort from the simplest of proverbs with its profound interpretations, reminding us of who we are as Samoans.
This week marks a significant focus as we celebrate Samoan Language Week 2025. I love to interpret using visual pictures, and I chose this particular picture depicting the celebratory event of a Samoan traditional 'saofai' that I was involved in held in my dad's village. I witnessed many representatives from specific clans of the village who were chosen to receive the matai (chief) title ‘Misa’. This isn't a solo role; it's a position your family has collectively decided upon, and the sense of responsibility is overwhelming, prompting you to ask yourself, "Am I ready?". Naturally, many questions flooded my mind, but in the end, I was humbled and honoured to accept this title on behalf of my family.
To be WELL-GROUNDED means to have a firm foundation; to have good training and knowledge of a particular subject. When I think of the Samoan chief title, you need to know…your STAND, your POSITION, your TALK, your WALK. I am reminded of my fa’avae (foundation), rooted deep, and that I never stand alone. An African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Similarly, this is how you become well-grounded and successful, it is by the village that has raised you, supported you, carried you, celebrates you, guides you, and prays for you. Your village breaks through the confinement of your borders.
SUCCESSFUL SELF...has no end, you are always learning to master your craft, and so success is how you see it, it is not defined by what people think or say, but it is how you define this for yourself.
When you are selected to hold a position of responsibility, and it feels difficult and demanding, there is a distinct call to represent something beyond yourself. When you grasp the seriousness of that call, that's when you will truly understand your true SELF.
PAUSE & REFLECT
How successful and established are you in your current roles? What is hindering your progress? Success is determined by your self-perception... do you recognize it?
Scroll down and share a comment.
Comments