Matua ma Talavou: Strengthening Connections Across Generations

May - June 2024.

Village Collective, in partnership with Toa Pacific, proudly facilitated the Matua ma Talavou (MMT) program, a transformative initiative bringing together Pacific elders (matua) and young people (talavou). The program was designed to address loneliness, strengthen meaningful connections, and enhance health and wellbeing, while creating opportunities for intergenerational learning, mentorship, and cultural exchange. 

Over the course of the program, participants engaged in workshops, storytelling, reflective sessions, and practical activities. These experiences allowed talavou and matua to learn from one another, share cultural knowledge, and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging. The program has shown that when generations come together, relationships flourish, loneliness is reduced, and cultural pride and resilience are nurtured. 

The impact of MMT has been profound: 

• Intergenerational Connections were strengthened, fostering relationships that alleviated social isolation among matua and deepened cultural identity among talavou. 
• Cultural knowledge and personal insights were exchanged, promoting respect, mutual learning, and a sense of pride in Pacific heritage. 
• Resilience and wellbeing were supported through meaningful social connections, creating safe spaces for both elders and youth to share, reflect, and grow.

While the program made progress in health literacy and inspiring future careers in community health, the primary success of MMT lies in building strong, lasting connections across generations. These outcomes were achieved despite challenges such as varying youth engagement, logistical constraints, and the need to balance fair remuneration for talavou with program costs. The dedication and enthusiasm of the talavou, in particular, ensure that each interaction with matua was meaningful, fostering trust, rapport, and lasting relationships. 

Village Collective and Toa Pacific facilitators worked tirelessly to create safe, culturally affirming spaces where participants felt heard, respected, and empowered. The program highlighted the transformative power of intergeneration relationships and underscored the need for ongoing investment to expand these spaces for Pacific communities. 

The program culminated in the MMT Ball on 21 June 2024, a special celebration marking the end of the initiative. This event brought together matua, talavou, stakeholders, and supporters - including Jenniene Fleming, certified zumba instructor and local legend, who hosted weekly zumba sessions throughout the MMT initiative for the matua in Mt Roskill and Otahuhu - who had contributed their time, energy, and resources to the program. It was an opportunity to honor the achievements, relationships, and dedication of everyone involved, and to celebrate the shared journey of connection, learning, and cultural pride that defined Matua ma Talavou.

We are deeply grateful to all the matua and talavou who participated, and to our facilitators whose commitment made this program possible. Matua ma Talavou exemplifies Village Collective's dedication to uplifting Pasifika youth and elders, fostering wellbeing, and strengthening the bonds that sustain our communities, leaving a lasting impact that continues to inspire and empower.