We have been celebrating Niuean Language Week at
Yendarra School, what a fantastic way to start the term.
The
students and kaiako have been learning all about Niuean culture and language.
We have been practicing the language through conversations and songs. It was
wonderful to see the Niuean flag flying high up on our flagpole all week.
In
Room 10 we have been using Niue as our writing motivation throughout the week.
Adi has written a story about visiting Niue and learning all about their
beautiful culture and traditions. Here is her story.
“Wow such a beautiful view from up here. It’s
very gorgeous” I said to my family as we looked across the vista of the Niuean
beach and forest. My family and I couldn’t wait to explore the peaceful island
of Niue. We are travelling around this Pacific Island nation and experiencing
everything that the culture has to offer. I’ve heard some facts about Niue that
are kind of surprising.
Fact 1 - Did you know that James Cook actually
named the island Savage Island when he visited Niue in 1774? However the name
was changed back to Niue, its original name, which means “Behold the
Coconut”
Fact 2 -
90 - 95% of Niueans live in New Zealand, there are only around 1200
people living in the country of Niue.
Fact 3 - There are 14 villages on the Island
of Niue. In fact they are very close to each other so you’re easily able to
walk the whole of Niue in a day or two.
Fact 4 -Alofi is the capital of Niue, this is
where their Members of Parliament work. I have learnt that there are no
political parties in Niue, only independent members of parliament.
Fact 5 - What’s really surprising is there
only one school on the island and that is, of course, located in Alofi. The
school in Niue follows the New Zealand curriculum and children are taught
Vagahau Niue (the Niuean language) and English.
Fact 6 -. Niuean people are really talented,
they catch huge coconut crabs that are pretty scary and surprising at the same
time. In Niue they call coconut crabs uga. The uga are a delicacy, which means
that they are very special to eat.
Niue is a really lovely country, people are
smiling, cheering and laughing. I am loving my visit to Niue with my family and
I am learning so much. Niuean people are very creative and they also love to
learn, just like my music teacher Mr Lakatani (he is a very kind man). I hope
that after reading about my adventures in Niue you will want to continue
learning about this amazing country and maybe visit there with your family too.
