Abstract:
The concept/tenet/practice of Teu Le Va in Pasifika education, research, policy and educational practice represents collaborative, reciprocal relationships and the nurturing and acting out of these by all stakeholders - families, communities, teachers, researchers and policy-makers. There are evident synergies between the principles and strands of Te Whaariki and Teu Le Va and these are explored within the broader theme of the conference - Teachers and Learners, exploring the spaces in-between. The va/va/va'a/vaha is a pan-Pacific notion describing a spatial and relational context within which the unfolding of secular and spiritual relationships can take place. Social, spiritual and relational contexts allow for personal and collective well-being and growth within the process of knowledge generation, social action and cultural transformation. In Teu Le Va, relationships are given space and valued so that all involved may benefit (Anae, 2007). There are common threads running through early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand and Teu le Va. Closer examination of Pasifika early childhood education policy and practice through the Teu Le Va paradigm potentially deepens our understanding about ‘spaces' between teachers and learners; learners and teachers and outwards towards our family whanau communities in Aotearoa.
