In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and innovators working on our next generation of new business startups, social enterprises and small businesses.
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Pacific Kids Learning is an innovative EdTech and Edutainment company that produces culturally-relevant content, primarily, for Pacific kids.
In an era where Pacific languages are endangered and cultural knowledge gaps are widening, we exist to revitalise and strengthen cultural knowledge and identity in young people. Our vision is for our mana-enhancing online platform to become the leading digital library and online resource for all young Pacific learners globally.
With a focus on community collaboration and indigenous concepts, our impactful and meaningful digital content is designed to be trustworthy for parents, teachers, as well as our young learners. Whilst serving the needs of the Pacific diaspora and preserving our Pacific languages, we recognise the potential to share our stories with young English learners worldwide.
As a creative tech employer, we are committed to growing our local economies by providing job opportunities and promoting a career in creative technology.
Our goal is to become a top provider of high-quality educational content for kids with a curriculum-focused approach that separates us from bigger streaming tech companies.
To empower kids through knowledge and inspiration, as we make our mark in the EdTech and Edutainment industries. Together, we can share the unique Pacific experience and stories with a global audience, while keeping our Pacific languages alive and preserving our cultural heritage.
WHAT’S THE BACKSTORY FOR YOUR BUSINESS IDEA?
The concept of Pacific Kids’ Learning was directly influenced by our children. It was created in response to a lack of digital content supporting Pacific languages for young learners. My understanding of the creative industry and production processes prompted a strong sense of urgency. It was important to get the right team together who could fast track digital content in the edutainment space – where learning was both engaging and fun.
WHAT PROGRAMMES, LEARNING OR MENTORING HAVE BEEN OF ASSISTANCE SO FAR?
- I have found searching for and finding relevant industry leaders on LinkedIn super helpful – they normally share tips, advice or an opinion piece in their posts that is relevant to you and your journey.
- Also, filter out whatever “noise” you don’t need – as this can lead to unnecessary stress.
- The Mind Lab – Post-graduate certificate in ‘Leading Change for Good’, which was an important part of my journey in personal and business development.
- The Oyster Workshops – Sarah Rennie and Kim Tuaine who provided Business Support, were particularly important as we were able to comfortably put our trust in their expertise and guidance in early business strategies. They continue to provide ongoing business support for us as well as other Maori and Pasifika businesses.
- ‘The Pacific Business Hub’ – Laura Keil-Hall who has also been pivotal for business development, especially in the Pacific space. Laura provided a Pasifika focused space for businesses like ours to network and grow. We also completed the AWE Program through ‘The Pacific Business Hub’.
- So many other people to thank, like, Don Aue of PWC providing community hours for our team. Sir Ian Taylor for his shared insights and guidance, as well as the Pasifika team at the Ministry of Education, and so many others!
- Also, this work is not possible without the support of our Pasifika community, which includes teachers and parents as well as our cultural advisors – collectively working together for the greater good of our kids’ learning.
- And lastly and most importantly, the unwavering support of our families, who are on this challenging journey with us. We dedicate our efforts, our hopes and dreams to them, especially our children.
FOUNDERS: EVO LEOTA-TUPOU (FOUNDER), THERESA TUPUOLA-SORENSON (CO-FOUNDER), TATIANA MARICH (CO-FOUNDER)
BUSINESS: PACIFIC KIDS’ LEARNING
FOUNDED: 2019
HQ: AUCKLAND
Source: #nzentrepreneur
