22 May 2026
Toku Fou Tiale is one of eight Pacific cultural frameworks that make up the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Micro-Credential, an NZQA-approved Level 6, 20-credit professional qualification.
The framework supports health, social service, education and community practitioners to strengthen their cultural capability when working alongside Tuvalu families and to respond to family violence in ways that are culturally grounded, respectful and effective.
Recognising that every family is shaped by its own cultural values, relationships and experiences, the framework helps practitioners understand the role of kaaiga (extended family), cultural identity and community connections in supporting healing and long-term wellbeing. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all response, practitioners learn how culture can become a pathway to restoring kaaiga ola filemu – peaceful, thriving families.
Learning that strengthens practice
Recently twenty-one practitioners from across health, education, social services and community organisations completed the Toku Fou Tiale Micro-Credential, bringing together a diverse group of professionals committed to strengthening outcomes for Tuvalu families.
Before the training, participants identified a desire to deepen their understanding of Tuvalu cultural values, family dynamics and culturally appropriate ways of engaging with families experiencing family violence. Many recognised that while they were experienced practitioners, they wanted greater confidence in applying culturally responsive approaches that reflected the lived experiences of Tuvalu communities.
By the end of the training, participants described how the framework had supported their ability to apply Tuvalu cultural knowledge in practice. They reported a greater understanding of the Toku Fou Tiale framework, increased confidence engaging with Tuvalu families, and practical ways to incorporate cultural values into conversations, assessments and support planning.
One participant reflected:
“Facilitators were awesome! I left with a greater understanding of how I can engage with Tuvaluan families and communities by applying the Toku Fou Tiale Framework.”
Building leadership through cultural capability
The impact of the training extends beyond individual learning. As practitioners return to their organisations, they bring with them a shared cultural framework that strengthens culturally safe practice across health, education and social services.
By building confidence to apply Tuvalu knowledge in everyday practice, the training helps create a workforce that can lead with cultural understanding, influence more responsive services and strengthen relationships with Tuvalu families and communities.
As these practitioners return to their workplaces, they become part of a growing workforce equipped to lead culturally safe practice, strengthen relationships with Pacific families, and contribute to the wider vision of kaaiga ola filemu – peaceful, thriving families.
Interested in building your cultural capability?
The Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Micro-Credential is a free, NZQA-approved Level 6, 20-credit qualification for health, social service, education and community practitioners. Participants complete two of the programme’s eight Pacific cultural framework trainings to achieve the qualification, with each framework developed by and for Pacific communities.
Find out more about upcoming cohorts and enrolment opportunities at ngavaka.nz