Arabic version: طلاب روبنفيل ينقلون الثقافة التونغية إلى ملبورن

According to ABC News, 24 students from Robinvale Secondary College’s Tongan dance group, Si’i Kae Hā, travelled eight hours to Melbourne last week to perform at the Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities (4Cs) Showcase.

The group, whose name means “small but significant” in Tongan, became the first regional Victorian group to perform at the showcase in its 20-year history. College captains Sione Heitonga and Ruby Hingano helped establish Si’i Kae Hā in 2023 to help students connect with culture and community.

Ruby, who is Aboriginal and Tongan, said the group had helped her learn more about a side of her identity that she had not grown up knowing. Education support workers Lueni Kolofale and Samuel Fangatua, who grew up in Robinvale, have helped drive the program and pass cultural knowledge to another generation.

Mr Fangatua said students’ interest had extended beyond dance into Tongan traditions, culture and language. Students must maintain their behaviour and schoolwork to join performances and trips, while Ms Kolofale said they were learning that representing their culture also meant living its values of respect and love.

The community raised $10,000 for the Melbourne trip. Parents and Tongan elders made traditional clothing and taught dances, while families attended performances. The group is looking forward to returning to the 4Cs Showcase next year.