Business and Community Celebrate Samoan Language Week

Business and Community Come Together to Celebrate Samoan Language Week

Samoan Language Week has been the catalyst for several Samoan businesses to exhibit not only their wares but to also show their love and support for their mother tongue.

This weekend the Pasifika Education Centre (PEC) and the Samoan Business Network will launch a joint promotion to celebrate Samoan Language Week.

This year's theme is "Fafaga fanau i upu ma tala.  Tautala i lau gagana" which translates to "Feed the children with words and stories.  Speak your language."

Participating members of the Samoan Business Network are offering product specials including a range of Samoan books and resources, says Samoan Business Network spokesperson Laura Keil-Hall.

"As a business community, our Samoan heritage is very much part of our business identity and what inspires us." says Laura.

 "We believe language is an important business skill and can be the point of difference in business dealings, building relationships or even developing a product. We endorse the work of PEC and celebrating Samoan language week with them is a natural fit."

PEC is at the forefront of teaching Pacific language and cultural classes in Auckland. This partnership is an "outside of the box" approach to activate other pockets of the Samoan community to celebrate Samoa Language Week, says CEO Christine Nurminen.

"The message of Samoan Language Week celebrations has relevance beyond our families. Our partnership with the Samoan Business Network is our way of exploring different channels and avenues for promoting the premium and place of language in our families, community and business settings."

To launch the PEC/SBN Samoan language week celebrations the Ekalesia Fa'apotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa (EFKS) Otahuhu will conduct a special service at 11.00 am this Sunday. Other activities throughout the week include a daily Facebook word challenge, a performance by PEC Samoan language students, and market day promotions and giveaways at the Otara Flea market.

ENDS

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