Celebrating our diversity

Kidsfirst's diversity is one of the things that sets us apart, and we're always looking for ways t0 support families from other cultures to feel at home at kindergarten.

More than 55 first-languages are spoken across the network, which can create a real challenge for kindergarten teams and whānau trying to bridge the gaps.

For all the differences, though, some things remain the same - no matter what language they speak or which culture a parent may be part of, the questions and concerns in need of reassurance are universal.

This year, we have enlisted the power of the collective to translate our FAQs into te reo Māori, Mandarin, Tongan, Tagalog, Korean, Samoan and Japanese. We are so lucky to have so many staff representing such a wide range of cultures, bringing richness to kindergarten life, and helping to build connections with whānau and tamariki.

Shanshan Liu, a teacher from Kidsfirst Rutland street, spared us some of her time and helped translate the FAQs into Mandarin. Shanshan says she was proud to be able to contribute to the project.

“My dad was a Chinese diplomat for 20 years and his first job after his university was an interpreter, so he was very happy, and my family was proud."

Jenny Pitama gifted Shanshan with a gift card, along with a note written in Mandarin.

Shanshan said the gesture held a great deal of meaning for her.

“My daughters were very excited to see your first sentence in Mandarin. They were born in New Zealand in 2009 and 2011, and I asked them to speak Mandarin at home since they were very young.”

Makaleta Mohi, a teacher at Kidsfirst Niu, helped translate the FAQ's into Tongan, and said having that diverse material will help the network and its feeling of inclusivity.

“It’s very important because a lot of our parents speak little English, so it’s essential for them to fully understand and being able to read answers to questions they might not be able to ask themselves.”

She says the translated FAQs will also help make kindergarten more welcoming for families who don't have English as a first language.

“When parents are looking for a kindergarten and are exploring the Kidsfirst material, seeing their own language will encourage them more to look more into it and help them feel comfortable. If people don’t understand they give up.”

The FAQs are available for download on the Kidsfirst website https://www.kidsfirst.co.nz/faq-__I.112852