Phone: (09) 833 8087 | Email: info@akoteufalemaama.org.nz
About Akoteu Falemaama
Akoteu Falemaama is West Auckland's only Tongan Christian Early Learning Centre, belonging to the
Vai ‘o e Mo’ui Church, Ranui.
We are licensed for 50 children - up to 40 children over the age of 2, and up to 10 children under the age of 2.
Saame 36:9
He ko e matavai 'o e mo'ui 'oku 'i he 'Afiona. 'I ho'o Maama te mau sio Maama.
Our Story
Akoteu Falemaama started as a Playgroup at the Vai ‘o e Mo’ui church hall by Dr Malakai ‘Ofanoa.
In the year 2000, when Dr Malakai was President of the Pacific Island Early Childhood Association (PIECA), he suggested for the Church to build an Early Childhood Centre which was supported by the Setuata of the Church at that time, Sione Vehikite. Akoteu Falemaama was then built on the Vai ‘o e Mo’ui Church grounds.
The vision was to support the education of the young children of the Church in a Tongan language Christian environment and to offer employment opportunities to the Church community.
In 2005, Akoteu Falemaama was officially opened by former Prime Minister Helen Clark, and was given the name Falemaama.
The name Falemaama derives from the metaphoric concept of a Tongan Fale. The literal name of Falemaama is translated as the ‘house of light’ but the deeper meaning of the name Akoteu Falemaama is interpreted as a ‘house of education, a house for learning’. This house serves as a fale where our tamaiki and their famili/kainga are offered a loving, safe, nurturing, stimulating, educational, cultural environment to learn, develop, grow and shine out, thus living a successful life in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Faa'i kavei koula, the four principles that guide the people of Tonga, bound together by 'Ofa (love).
Press the + button next to each word to find the meaning in English.
Our Values
respecting each other
Fulfilling the expectations of one's position thus, maintaining a healthy relationship with each other.
Being passionate about one's beliefs, commitment.
Being humble.
Our Philosophy
The name Falemaama derives from the metaphoric concept of a Tongan Fale. The name itself literally is translated into English as the ‘house of light’, with a deeper meaning, the ‘house of education, the house for learning’. This house serves as the place where our tamaiki and their famili/kainga are offered a loving, safe, nurturing, stimulating, educational, cultural environment to learn, develop, grow and shine out, thus living a successful life in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Akoteu Falemaama believes in the significant contribution of the Tongan language, Christian Faith, and Tongan culture, in the learning and development of the tamasi’i/ta’ahine. This is promoted through the curriculum offered to all the tamaiki attending Akoteu Falemaama.
Akoteu Falemaama acknowledges Maori as Tangata Whenua and we support and encourage the bicultural journey with Maori as well as partnerships with all parents through the concept of whakawhanaungatanga / nofo ‘a kainga. Parents are encouraged to share their aspirations for their tamaiki as learners with a strong sense of identity, language, and culture.
Our tamaiki will be encouraged to make their own choices and our professional teaching team (kau faiako) will support and guide the learning of the tamaiki in the learning experiences they are engaged in. Inclusive practice ensures that all the learning of our tamaiki is not limited to gender, ability, ethnicity or background and they are encouraged to learn about and understand cultural diversity of their community and the wider world.
Akoteu Falemaama believes, together with the aspiration of Te Whariki, that all tamaiki will grow and develop into “competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging, and provided they are empowered to share their ideas, knowledge and skills freely, respectfully and supportingly, which will make them a valued contribution to the society they live in.” Te Whāriki 2017.
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Build on early math, science and reading skills at their own pace
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Problem solve, negotiate and challenge them
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Learn about, appreciate and respect individual choices
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Learn to assert them honestly with guidance
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To learn in a fun and enjoyable environment
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Be involved in creative activities like art, musical dance and movement
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Work within acceptable limits and boundaries
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Develop language and listening skills
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Look after themselves, others and the environment
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Learn with and alongside others
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Feel good about who they are as individuals
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Develop a sense of belonging and independence
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Develop their physical abilities
At Akoteu Falemaama, children will have the opportunity to:
Our People
Ilaisaane Pepa
Supervisor
Bachelor of Education Teaching ECE
Registered and Certificated Teacher
Current First Aid Holder
Ana Lose
Teacher
Diploma of Teaching ECE Pacific Islands. Registered and Certificated Teacher
Current First Aid Holder
Luse Luau
Teacher
Bachelor of Education Teaching, Registered and Certificated Teacher
Current First Aid Holder
Tauese Afeaki
Teacher
Currently training towards Bachelor of Education Teaching ECE
Mele Tangi Luau
Support Teacher
Faataualofa Falenoa
Support Teacher
Currently training towards ECE Level 4
Food Safety Trained
Siope Serenity Vake
Kitchen Person│Support Staff
Food Safety Trained Internally
Loviana Tufulele Lusaipau
Centre Manager│Administrator
Bachelor of Education
Diploma of Teaching ECE
Registered and Certificated Teacher
Food Safety Trained
Seini Maka
Qualified Reliever
Bachelor of Education Teaching
Chairperson:
Faifekau Sosaia Havili
Vice Chairperson:
Mele Halapua
Secretaries:
Makeleta Hola
Malia Mafi
Treasurers:
Lata Vehikite
Losa Leota │Parent Representative
Centre Manager:
Loviana Lusaipau
Service Provider Contact:
Edwin Talakai
Financial Manager:
Talikivaha Latu'ila
Origin of the name Falemaama
The name Falemaama originates from the Tongan Wesleyan Church Himi,
590 veesi 4.
Hangē ko ha Falemaama ‘e ne tu’u mo’unga ē
Fakaholo sio’anga he fonua fua pē
Nau lalaka hono maama ‘ilo me’a masani ai
Ongo mai ‘a e ta’engata kite ‘a e fonua ko Langi.