Unlocking the Power of Fonofale: How Pacific Health & Education Can Benefit - Part 1

Check out this video with Pale Sauni and Saylene Ulberg

This is part of a series on Pacific Cultural Centredness:

The Fonofale model can help you understand health and wellbeing from a Pacific perspective

Here’s a summary of this short talanoa with Pale and Saylene which is part of our short series on Pacific Cultural Centredness

The Fonofale framework is a model used in Pacific health that focuses on family as the foundation of wellbeing. Fonofale is a Samoan term that translates to “house of support,” and it represents the main dimensions of health and wellbeing.

The foundation of the Fonofale model is family, which includes the relationships between individuals and their immediate and extended families. Family provides support and a sense of belonging, and it is central to Pacific Island culture.

The posts of the Fonofale model represent spiritual, physical, mental and other kinds of wellbeing.

Spiritual wellbeing includes beliefs and practices that connect individuals to their community and culture. Spirituality provides a sense of purpose and meaning, and it helps individuals navigate challenges in life.

Physical wellbeing includes exercise, nutrition, and rest. Physical health is vital for overall wellbeing, and it affects other dimensions of health.

Mental wellbeing includes emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Mental health is essential for managing stress and maintaining healthy relationships with oneself and others.

The roof of the Fonofale model represents culture, which includes language, customs, and traditions. Culture provides a sense of identity and pride, and it helps individuals maintain connections with their community.

The Fonofale model emphasizes the interconnection between these dimensions of health and wellbeing. It recognizes that individuals cannot achieve optimal health and wellbeing unless all dimensions are considered and addressed.

In the context of adult education, the Fonofale framework can be used to support Pacific learners. Educators can incorporate culturally responsive practices that respect and honor Pacific Island cultures and traditions. They can also promote family involvement and community engagement to support the learner’s holistic development.

In conclusion, the Fonofale framework is a valuable tool for understanding health and wellbeing in Pacific Island communities. It highlights the interconnection between spirituality, physical health, mental health, family, and culture. Educators can use the Fonofale model to support Pacific learners by incorporating culturally responsive practices and promoting family involvement and community engagement.

Some practical suggestions for working with a Fono Fale approach

Build relationships: Take the time to build relationships with your learners, their families, and their communities. This will help create a sense of belonging and trust, which is essential for a Fonofale approach to be effective.
Incorporate Pasifika culture: Incorporate Pasifika cultural values and practices into your teaching. This can include using storytelling, music, and art as well as exploring Pasifika ways of knowing and being.
Use a holistic approach: Use a holistic approach to teaching and learning, recognizing the interconnection between physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural well-being. This can involve incorporating activities that address all aspects of the Fonofale model.
Foster collaboration: Encourage collaboration and group work to create a sense of community and inclusion. Provide opportunities for learners to share their experiences and perspectives with each other.
Use flexible teaching methods: Use flexible teaching methods that allow for learner-centered, self-directed learning. This can include using a range of teaching strategies, such as project-based learning, peer teaching, and experiential learning.
Emphasize practical application: Emphasize practical application of learning through work-based learning, industry placements, and real-life projects that relate to the learners’ experiences and goals.
Evaluate and reflect: Continually evaluate and reflect on your teaching practices to ensure they align with the Fonofale approach and the needs of your learners. Seek feedback from learners and their communities to inform your practice.

By implementing these practical tips, adult educators can create a more inclusive, culturally responsive, and engaging learning experience for their Pasifika learners.