In our interview with Pacific Kids Learning (PKL) co-founder Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson, (click the image to access the audio on our webpage), she jokes that it started with three Pasefika Mums wanting to offer an educational experience blending Pasefika languages and culture with modern digital technology of animation.
Ms Tupuola-Sorenson, the education director of PKL, has an impressive track record in teaching which has taken her from Auckland to Seoul and the Gold Coast.
At the end of July this year, PKL had a feature film of its content shown at the Hoyts Cinemas. It was called Digital Navigators, Legacy of the Islands, the story of two children, 'Alisi and Semisi, as they navigated "the islands of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa through digital storytelling."
PKL Film Director Herman Aviu described the film as a blend of traditional knowledge-sharing methods and modern technologies, featuring rich animations that advance traditional Pacific languages and uphold Pacific culture.
“Our kids are on their devices all the time and you want them to watch things that enhance their culture. What we do at PKL is put content out there that is culturally responsive for our kids, and that we know is of immense value,” said Aviu.
“This whole experience has sparked something in me – it’s a dream that I’ve always wanted to do for my people, for our Pacific community, and now that we’ve come this far – we can take it to the next level.”
