Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini
I come not with my own strengths but bring with me the gifts, talents and strengths of my family, tribe and ancestors.
This whakataukī acknowledges the whakapapa connections children bring to their learning. and it conveys the understanding that children are innately competent and capable no matter what their age or ability.
When children learn new languages, they build on important linguistic and cultural knowledge from their home and family. Supporting their home languages gives them a strong foundation for learning an additional language and strengthens children’s sense of cultural identity. It's crucial to view the new language as an addition, not a replacement, to ensure effective communication.
