testimonials

Pule ran an amazing course in Ōtautahi on Gagana Sāmoa and it was so much more expansive than I was expecting from a language course! The class was also very connective to experiences I did not get to have, particularly of life in Samoa. I appreciated her sharing aspects of fa'asamoa as it clearly helped highlight the vā and offered whakawhanaungatanga for those who know the distance for them or their families has grown and are looking for a pathway back. The manaakitanga was incredibly high, as someone who feels very outside my culture, especially in that I did not grow up having many of the experiences others in the class obviously shared. Pule created an environment where people were able to assist me in my learning without making me feel whakamā, which all made appear effortless, but is evidence of the commitment and quality of the teaching as well as the character of both the teacher and those willing to learn. So much aroha for this class! Unfortunately, the confirmation of the viability to continue the course occurred after I had made commitments to others for some of the times it would run, when I started I was unaware that a continuation was an option or I would have organized differently. As such thought I would review it now and will absolutely be promoting the next course! I am also incredibly hopeful that it will run regularly enough that I could possibly be able to join and carry through in a future instance. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity on the journey of making connections to my heritage, culture and language and wanted to say I am thankful this was made available.