Pacific Digital Library

Pacific Kids' Learning

Pacific Digital Library

Animated literacy resources in Pacific languages, codesigned through Village Centred Production

Auckland, New Zealand

NZL

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

Primary age children of Pacific descent are struggling with literacy both at home in the islands, and in the diaspora community. Of the 9.18 million children under the age of 14 who live in the Pacific, UNICEF found that a significant proportion are failing to meet minimum standards of literacy. Contributing factors include not having a relevant curriculum for the needs of its learners; geographical issues for children in remote locations and lack of online study material. Meanwhile, Pacific children in New Zealand achieve below the expected curriculum level for literacy (57% of Year 4 and 70% of Year 8 Pacific students) compared to their non-Pacific peers (35% and 40% respectively)(Ministry of Education NZ, 2019). Studies have demonstrated that literacy levels can be supported better through incorporation of students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds (Denston et al, 2022) and collaborative, community-centred relationships that privileges students' cultural identity (Keehne et al, 2018).

The Pacific Digital Library is an online repository of 300 animated digital learning resources, in 10 Pacific languages and English. In a nod to the diverse expressions of Pacific storytelling, resources include animated stories, songs and dances. Content is coproduced with Pacific cultural knowledge holders and educators, and features teacher support materials to scaffold learning and extend the themes explored, holding engagement through cultural affirmation and encouragement. Stories embed Pacific values and celebrate students' cultural identity as a source of strength and capability.Programmes are also run where school children go from content consumers to content creators, being involved in the production of their own story into an animated resource that is then featured on the Pacific Digital Library. The Library is available as a web-based platform as well as Android and Apple apps. Users are able to download resources for offline access, crucial to learning in remote areas. We also have some content in Virtual Reality (VR) format, which is the first time learners have interacted with their culture in that medium.

We serve indigenous children of the Pacific Islands, as well as children of the diaspora who have Pacific heritage. The Pacific Digital Library houses the world's first animated learning content in 10 Pacific languages. There have historically been little to no learning resources in Pacific languages, or culturally affirming resources in English, in print let alone animation. Having access to stories that speak to Pacific student's lived experiences is crucial in supporting engagement and improving literacy rates amongst this population. Intrinsic culturally affirming messaging also improves self esteem in learning through strengthened identity. Confident and engaged learners lead to better literacy outcomes.