PKL Digital Showcase: Empowering Pacific Education Through Digital Storytelling

Pacific Kids Learning: The organization dedicated to creating Educational Pacific Content for the young Pacific Generations to come. 

Pacific Kids Learning (PKL) continues to make significant strides in the education space, specifically in Pacific education. Earlier this month, PKL hosted their 4th Digital Showcase at Hoyts Cinemas in Sylvia Park, presenting “Digital Navigators: Legacy of the Islands.” This compelling feature-length film highlights the adventures of two spirited children from South Auckland, 'Alisi and Semisi,' as they explore the islands of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa through digital storytelling.

PKL’s rapid growth, from their first digital showcase at the Māngere Arts Centre four years ago to this grand presentation at HOYTS, is a testament to the dedication of its founders—parents who are passionate about creating Pacific-led children’s content. 

Co-Founder & Education Director Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson expressed her passion for educating the next generation of Pacific kids “it's about nurturing all children as if they were your own. And that's how we run the business.” 

The feature film has truly been a labour of love, and a village led project, Tupuola-Sorenson stated “it's really like a real village collaboration with students, schools, parents, families and then industry and then as well as, some of the stakeholders that are here today.”

Director Herman Aviu, fondly recounts his children’s pride in him after watching the film. Avia believes that the content used to educate our children should come from our communities “For me, it's important that what we capture the stories that our children share, and it is represented in the most authentic way”

Tatiana Marich, co-founder and Finance Director, underscored PKL’s commitment to social good: “As a social enterprise, we focus on community benefit over profit. Any surpluses are reinvested into creating new content for kids. We want all children to move from consuming content to creating it. Everyone’s stories matter, and there are some beautiful stories out there.”

Marich also encouraged more community involvement: “We want to hear from composers, choreographers, illustrators, animators – anyone involved in the creative process. If you don’t see your culture represented in the Pacific Digital Library, reach out to us. We’re eager to collaborate.”

The film’s content will continue to enrich the Pacific Digital Library throughout the year. For special screening inquiries or community collaborations, PKL invites interested parties to email info@pacifickidslearning.co.nz

- Written by Arts & Culture Journalist Destiny Momoiseā

made with the help of Creative New Zealand