When positive role models inspire (breathe life into) the next generation it’s always powerful. Janine Williams and her husband Charles are amazing – you can see their murals and sculpture all over NZ and in NY, France, China and the Pacific too. Janine is Ōtara-raised and shared wisdom with young writers at her old school, Kedgley Intermediate, today. “You have to fight the voice in your head that tells you that you can’t do something.”
Today we’re back to work making Tuvalu children’s books with Sagaa Malua, Alamai Sioni and the master Chad Robertson. I love this work because we know it makes a massive difference for children to see themselves represented in literature.
https://gazette.education.govt.nz/articles/igniting-a-passion-for-writing-through-creative-art/
Tonight I went to watch Rosalina by the Sau e Siva Creatives at Mangere Arts Centre. The guys adapted the story from a legend in my book, Samoan Heroes. It’s pretty cool seeing the way they took the story from off the page and brought it to life on stage with a celebration of Samoan culture,…
Awesome day today launching our book Star Dreaming – a book inspired by the stars of Matariki, written and illustrated by children at Sylvia Park School. These young writers share stories of family, of special places, of proud moments, of loved ones passed, and dreams for the future. Check it out here if you’re interested…
I’m working with young writers at Flatbush School this term and today we had an inspiring visit by Raymond Sagapolutele. Raymond is a professional photographer and an amazing role model for our young Pasifika storytellers. “You are orators and your story is important,” Raymond said. “A lot of times us adults don’t listen to children,…
Today I spent a morning at Manurewa High School with Michel Mulipola, talking about the power of storytelling.
