Va’aifetū

Guardianship

Guardianship is the encompassing principle of Va'aifetū.

Guardianship is the unwritten understanding of care of and responsibility for people. This principle is the umbrella under which all notions of alofa/’ofa/aloha/aroha/love, kinship, belonging, identity, responsibility and protection lie. This is the enabling space for recognition, dignity, forgiveness, recovery, reciprocity, resilience, restoration, and shared prosperity.

Dignity

Child

The child’s dignity will be protected. This includes respect for the child’s self-defined cultural, gender, sexual, spiritual and social identity.

Family

Respect for the dignity of Pacific families is essential. This will be demonstrated through the inclusion of cultural and social collectives that are significant to the child, observation of relevant protocols, professionalism, meaningful and non-intimidating engagement.

Practitioner

The practitioner’s dignity and that of others will be respected.

Best interests of child and family

Child

The child’s best interest is the purpose of intervention and the paramount consideration. Pacific children are considered gifts from God. Their wellbeing and prosperity is connected to that of unique Pacific cultures and communities.

Family

The Pacific child’s interests and sense of belonging are the family’s concern and responsibility. Where interests conflict, those of the child will be paramount.

Practitioner

Practitioners are expected to act in the best interest of the child at all times.

Relationships

Child

The Pacific child has a fundamental right to belong with people who will love, protect, defend and nurture her/him.

Family

Good relationships are a form of social currency in Pacific families and communities. These provide protection and support in times of difficulty. Traditional kin relationships have associated expectations, and severe consequences when they are violated.

Practitioner

Relationships are purposeful and child focused. The best outcomes for vulnerable children are achieved and sustained through collective effort.

Responsibility

Child

A child’s responsibilities indicate purpose and place within collectives and affiliations. Putting things right with others restores dignity and shows integrity.

Family

Pacific families believe in their fundamental responsibility for their children. Responsibility is connected to family identity, esteem, dignity, guardianship, duty, accountability and self-determination. 

Practitioner

Responsibility is enacted according to one’s duty and consciousness. It is also about learning, growing and exercising courage in the face of conflict.

Spirituality

Child

Traditional Pacific cultures believe that a child is a gift from the God and therefore sacred. The child is the bond between families, the connection between the past, the present and what could be. Neglect or violation of this sacredness has spiritual implications for those associated with the child.

Family

Spiritual beliefs are powerful influences on Pacific peoples’ parenting practices, gender interactions, societal relationships, identity, resilience, motivations, worldviews and responses to situations. Spirituality includes indigenous beliefs and religions like Christianity, Hindu and other faiths.

Practitioner

The value of spirituality in the lives of Pacific children and families is explored and appropriately incorporated into engagement and the pursuit of outcomes.

Humility

Child

Showing humility to the child elevates her/him, and conveys genuine commitment and respect for her/his voice, dignity and potential.

Family

Humility is an action associated with integrity and dignity. It is fundamental to meaningful relations with Pacific people and alleviates feelings of disempowerment and resistance. Humility is shown through hospitality, sharing of speaking time, vulnerabilities, personal histories, and status.

Practitioner

Humility is a skill for those who hold power. It is especially important to show humility towards children who hold the least power or are unaccustomed to it.

Va'aifetū

Watch a video about the name Va'aifetū, the 9 cultural approaches and the 7 Va'aifetū principles.

Video – Va'aifetū practice model | YouTube (7 minutes)