Fonofale Part 2 extends the main Fonofale explanation by showing how the model can help educators think more holistically about Pacific learners. In this video discussion, Pale Sauni and Saylene Ulberg explain why Fonofale should not be reduced to one dimension of learner support. It helps educators consider family, culture, spirituality, physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, context, and the wider social factors that shape learning.
If you are new to the model, start with Fonofale Part 1 or the practical overview Fonofale Pasifika. This page is the practice-focused companion.
Fonofale Part 2: Applying The Model In Education
Video: Pale Sauni And Saylene Ulberg On Fonofale
This is part of the wider Cultural Intelligence in Education pathway and the Pacific Cultural Centredness sequence:
- Understanding Pacific Cultural Centredness
- How talanoa can build relationships
- Le Va – Understanding the sacred space in Pacific culture – Part 1
- Le Va – Understanding the sacred space in Pacific culture – Part 2
- Fonofale – Part 1
- Fonofale Pasifika
- What is Pacific cultural safety – Part 1
- What is Pacific cultural safety – Part 2
- What is Pacific cultural safety – Part 3
Why Fonofale Needs A Holistic View
Here’s a summary of this short talanoa with Pale and Saylene which is part of our short series on Pacific Cultural Centredness
In this clip we continue our discussion of the Fonofale model and how it is important to consider all its dimensions, not just one. The Fonofale is seen as a holistic approach to education that recognizes the importance of socializing in Pacific families and communities.
The model is dynamic and adaptable to different contexts and including various factors such as age, sexuality, socio-economic status, and gender. Pale and Saylene suggest that tutors who want to learn more about Pacific approaches to education can find many resources online, including from the original author, Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann.
Pale notes that seeing the model in a picture makes it easier to place oneself within the model, which is essential to using it.
Pale and Saylene also suggest that focusing on the cognitive and mental side of education is typical of Western academic thinking, while the Fonofale model serves as a good reminder of the other dimensions of learners that educators need to consider.
Pacific families and communities’ socialisation is crucial to this model, and having family as the foundation captures the holistic approach, and without it, culture is not safe.
The Fonofale model is dynamic and adaptable, and you can add whatever you like to it, depending on the context. For example, the fourth pole of the fale, includes other factors such as age, sexuality, socio-economic status, and gender.
What Educators Can Take From This Discussion
The practical value of Fonofale is that it reminds educators to look beyond only cognitive or academic performance. Pacific learner success may be shaped by family, culture, spirituality, physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, social context, age, gender, sexuality, socio-economic factors, and the wider environment around the learner.
Used carefully, Fonofale can help tutors, teachers, and organisations ask better questions about support, belonging, cultural safety, and learner success.
Related Pacific Cultural Intelligence Pathways
For the full pathway, start with Cultural Intelligence in Education. Related Pacific concepts include Pacific Cultural Centredness, Talanoa, Le Va Part 1, Le Va Part 2, Fonofale Part 1, Fonofale Pasifika, and Pacific Cultural Safety.
FAQ: Fonofale In Education
What is Fonofale Part 2 about?
Fonofale Part 2 is the practice-focused companion to the main Fonofale explanation. It uses a video discussion with Pale Sauni and Saylene Ulberg to show how Fonofale can help educators think more holistically about Pacific learners.
How does Fonofale help educators support Pacific learners?
Fonofale helps educators consider the whole learner, including family, culture, spirituality, physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, relationships, social context, and the wider environment that shapes learning.
Why is Fonofale described as holistic?
Fonofale is holistic because it does not isolate learning or wellbeing into one dimension. It uses the image of a fale to show how different parts of a person’s life support and affect each other.
How does Fonofale connect with Pacific Cultural Centredness?
Fonofale connects with Pacific Cultural Centredness because both ask educators to place Pacific identity, relationships, family, culture, and context at the centre of learner support rather than treating them as background factors.
Where should I start if I am new to Fonofale?
Start with Fonofale Part 1 for the main explanation, then read this page as the applied companion. You can also read Fonofale Pasifika for a practical overview.
Kia ora! Hey, I'd love to know what you think.