Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Tongan cultural framework training

Natalie attended the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu’s Tongan cultural framework training, ‘Fofola e Fala Kae Talanoa e Kainga, with members of her team and shares her thoughts on the training and how it will be applied within the Parentline practice.

Why did you attend Nga Vaka’s Tongan family violence programme?
Natalie: I want more understanding of how to work in these cultural) spaces, because it's not familiar to me. Being Pākehā, it's something that I'm very conscious of when walking into a home. I don't know much about the eight ethnic-specific conceptional frameworks, so I want more of an understanding on how to work in those spaces.

What have you learned and what resonated with you?
Natalie: The migration story to me was quite emotional to watch. I not only think of what that was like for those people, but also thinking about what my family went through when my paternal side first came here in the 1800s. And then when my mum first came here in the late seventies.

Being at the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu’s Tongan cultural framework training has been a revelation and it's not about the people that you see, it's about what you bring into that space.

Whakawhanaungatanga - the process of establishing good relations - is so important and can take such a long time.

Have you been surprised that this Tongan programme resonated with you?
Natalie: Not surprised, humbled. I want to feel okay in myself that I am doing this right by checking myself and my practice. I just feel privileged to be here. The presenters are wonderful sharing a world of knowledge.

How will you apply what you have learned into your work?
Natalie: By taking what I have learnt back to the cultural roots of the whānau and thinking about researching their traditional practices. It's about understanding how people operate.

One of the case studies that we were reading and working through, was all about cultural safety, especially that first engagement with that whānau, which is important. It’s about having conversations.

So, depending on which spaces I'm going into, it's about looking at the cultural framework that is suitable or aligns to the family, by working through their identified challenges respectfully regardless of culture/ethnicity.

Earlier on you mentioned why it’s important to break down barriers to build trust. What are those barriers?
Natalie: I work in an agency that advocated for tamariki and supports parents who can be shy or ashamed to reach out for help. My observations as a facilitator are that parents struggle to speak out about themselves because of fear of being judged. After a few sessions they start to share freely once they feel comfortable.

They may think that I know all the answers, but I'm there to support them. Years of training gives us the knowledge to provide parents with the tools and skills they can apply at home with their tamariki.

We get so many different people coming into these spaces for example those who have been ordered by the court, caregivers/foster parents, grandparents, or parents who genuinely want to upskill themselves.

Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu - Tongan Family Violence Prevention Training Programme

Fofola e Fala Kae Talanoa e Kāinga concept is fundamental to the Tongan cultural practices to help Tongan people build safe and healthier families.

This FREE programme focuses on the values that underpin Fofola e Fala Kae Talanoa e Kāinga concept and its significance as a solution to prevent family violence. Both Tongan and English languages will be used to ensure that your knowledge and experience is shared to enhance the discussion.

This training will strengthen practitioners’ professional practice and also support our community at large within the context of family violence.

The Tongan Conceptual Framework Fofola e Fala Kae Talanoa e Kāinga was developed by the Tongan Working Group: Tae Tuinukuafe, Tina Fifita, Malia Hamani, Hola Samani, John Tesimale, Osaiasi Kupu, Sioeli Vaiangina, Rev. Iki Pope, Dr. James Prescott, ‘Aminiasi Ikamafana Tameifuna (Leader) and Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o (Writer).

Fofola e Fala Kae Talanoa e Kāinga is a Tongan metaphor that literally means, ‘Roll out the mats so the family can dialogue.’  The Tongan Working Group identified that this expression is key to understanding and addressing violence in Tongan families.

This Tongan Conceptual Framework takes a strengths-based approach by highlighting concepts and principles present in anga faka-Tonga (Tongan culture) that protect and strengthen the family. These concepts and principles empower Tongan families to take responsibility for preventing and ending family violence.

When the concepts and principles are applied correctly, violent behaviour is transformed, and wellbeing and fāmili kaukaua mo kaukauola – strong and vibrant families – is restored.

To register your interest, CLICK HERE