Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust was established in 1982 in New Zealand to promote the revitalization of the Māori language through early childhood education. Here are some key points:
-
Foundation: The trust was founded as a response to the declining use of the Māori language, which was becoming less commonly spoken due to historical suppression and urbanization of Māori people.
-
Objective: Its primary goal is to provide an environment where children can learn Māori as their first language, fostering both linguistic and cultural identity from an early age.
-
Model: Te Kōhanga Reo operates on a model where children are immersed in Māori language and culture, with elders and fluent speakers playing a pivotal role in teaching and community involvement.
-
Expansion: From its inception, the movement has grown significantly. By the early 1990s, there were over 500 kōhanga reo (language nests) throughout New Zealand.
-
Impact: The initiative has been instrumental in the revival of Māori language use. It has also influenced other indigenous language revitalization efforts globally.
-
Government Recognition: The New Zealand government recognized Te Kōhanga Reo as a legitimate form of early childhood education, which led to funding and support.
-
Challenges: Despite its success, Te Kōhanga Reo has faced challenges like funding issues, maintaining high-quality education standards, and ensuring the ongoing fluency of teachers and caregivers.
Sources: