Pacific Education Centre (PEC) is welcoming $20mil over four years announced in this year’s Budget for the retention of Pacific languages in New Zealand.
PEC is the only NZQA Private Training Establishment in New Zealand who deliver free Pacific language courses in Auckland.
Director Tuiloma Gayle Lafaiali’i says “With over 62% of Pasifika peoples now born here in Aotearoa NZ, is it essential now more than ever for our young people to learn and maintain their heritage language(s).”
According to the Government the funds will allow for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to establish a new Pacific Language Unit.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says “Without action we risk losing an incredible repository of wisdom and culture, and a sense of belonging for our Pacific people.”
According to the 2018 Lalanga Fou Fono Report: Tulī Takes Flight, language was listed as one of the main concerns for Pacific Islanders in New Zealand following a survey of over 2500 residents.
Lafaiali’i says they are excited at the opportunity the funding provides.
“We are keen to understand our exact role as PEC will benefit from some of this funding, and we are ready to meet the needs of our Pasifika communities to help ensure the survival of Pacific languages, as PEC has been doing for the past 40 years.”
