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CPIT showcases Samoan culture

Tuesday 31 May 2011, 11:09AM

By CPIT

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CHRISTCHURCH

Samoan Language Week at CPIT, 1 June to 7 June 2011.


A bright and bold fashion parade, 20-aside cricket and necklaces made of lollies – it has to be Samoan language week, being celebrated at CPIT from 1 to 7 June.


Organised by CPIT’s brand new Centre for Māori and Pasifika Achievement Centre (CMPA), the programme celebrates Pasifika food, sports, fashion and, of course, language.
 

“Our culture is very inclusive and community oriented and Samoan language week is a great chance to celebrate that,” Kaitaunaki Pasifika, Center of Māori and Pasifika Achievement at CPIT, Selau Ifopo-Sumner said. “I am looking forward to seeing all the Samoan students we have on campus and to introducing all CPIT staff and students to our language and customs.
 

“The timing could not be better as our Te Puna Wanaka students have all just returned to their facilities at the Madras Street campus after being temporarily relocated after the earthquake. Also we have just recently launched the Centre of Māori and Pasifika Achievement. CPIT has really shown a serious commitment to addressing issues around Māori and Pasifika education and it is wonderful to be involved in such an exciting new initiative.”


In accordance with the theme for Samoan Language Week 2011, which is Samoa Ola (Samoa Active), the programme at CPIT includes a game of kilikiti or Samoan style cricket in the Recreation Centre on Friday 3 June, from 12 noon to 1pm, featuring an oddly shaped bat and between 20 to 30 people per team. There’s also a cooking and language class for adults, Samoan Language with a Side of Chop Suey, in Te Puna Wanaka on 1 June, from 6 to 9pm.
 

A very vibrant event will be the Get Fresh and Dress Fresh parade at 12.15pm in the CPSA Building on 2 June featuring bright and beautiful Samoan fashion. There are also cultural performances during the week and all of these events are open to everyone.

Samoan is the third most commonly spoken language in New Zealand after English and Māori. CPIT offers courses a Pasifika Foundation course and Pacific Island programmes based on language/cultural revival as well as Māori Studies from foundation courses to Bachelor of Languages (Maori).

For more information please contact CMPA on 940 8360.