A new fund has been designed by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to support grassroots initiatives which increase awareness, celebrate, grow and inspire the daily use of Pacific languages in Aotearoa.
Launched at the Lalanga Fou Languages and High Tech Fono, the Languages Innovation Fund will be piloted for 12 months.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says the Ministry’s engagements with communities throughout Aotearoa confirmed the significance of Pacific languages and cultures to an individual’s sense of belonging and identity.
It was announced in this year’s Wellbeing Budget the Government would allocate $20 million over the next four years to ensure Aotearoa is home to thriving Pacific languages.
“That’s why the establishment of a dedicated Pacific Language Unit within the Ministry for Pacific Peoples is so important,” Minister Sio says.
“We know the current state of our Pacific languages is fragile and that Pacific success in innovation is not certain.
“The task of changing that, is a job for all of us, the story is ours to write and that’s why it’s important with the launch of this Fund, it can encourage Pacific aspirations and support some of the great initiatives that are out there in the community.”
The Fund is designed for Pacific grassroots community groups such as youth groups, church groups, family-based groups and NGOs across Aotearoa.
There are various amounts of funding available, depending on the size of the idea or project.
The Fund is a great opportunity for individuals and communities to showcase their ideas that will increase the awareness, grow the number of speakers and help ensure Pacific languages are recognised and valued in Aotearoa.