Tongan families and children with disabilities: Experiences within early childhood education settings in New Zealand

Abstract

This thesis is a small scale qualitative research that explores the experiences, views and narratives of Tongan families who have a child with a disability within an Early Childhood Education (ECE) setting in Aotearoa New Zealand. The purpose of this study is to build on existing literature and research, albeit small, and provide insight into the cultural frameworks, values and principles that underpin the anga faka-Tonga – Tongan culture. This research is the first of its kind with reference to Tongan families and children with a disability within an ECE setting in Aotearoa New Zealand, in particular akoteu – Tongan ECE centres. The conceptual framework that underpins this research incorporates Pasifika methodologies. The kakala model is used to describe the processes of research, including the selection of participants, data collection and analysis. The notions of mālie and māfana are employed. These were deemed to be culturally appropriate for this research and its participants. The findings identified the importance of anga faka-Tonga, its values, and the Christian faith for families, and their appreciation for the incorporation of these at their child’s akoteu. The findings also highlighted the need for teachers to be culturally responsive, and provide a learning environment that fosters children’s development. Of particular interest was the ways in which families within this study expressed their perceptions of children as a tāpuaki mei he ‘Otua – a blessing from God. It is envisaged that this study will contribute to the existing research and literature on families’ experiences within the ECE setting, with particular emphasis on Tongan families who have a child with a disability. It is anticipated that this study will provide strategies for how to work more effectively with Tongan families and their children. It is hoped that through this study, ideas may arise to further research within this area.