Te Kōrero o te 'Ōrau’s Junior 'Ātui'anga Ki Te Tango 2023 (AKTT) school holiday activity programme finished on Friday with a mighty umu feast prepared by the students.

The popular week-long programme which immerses their students in learning about Cook Islands culture, its values and natural environment was held at the Apii Nikao Hall.

Young boys Freddie Kimi, Nuku Kainuku, Tyrone George, Zaia Tuaivi and Petueli Raumea all said that they have enjoyed being a part of the programme.

Eight-year-old Raumea said: “I’m enjoying learning about these olden day games, it’s good, and it’s fun being here.”

Cultural tutor Jackie Tuara said because of the heavy rain earlier in the week they had to “wing” some of the activities.

“We are thankful for Apii Nikao for this great venue, we keep the kids engaged with story-telling, traditional games and activities.”

Those kids who have done the programme before have retained the lessons they had learnt, and the first timers were picking up quickly, she said.

On Friday, the students prepared and wrapped foods like the tuna vai (freshwater eels) for the umu, husked, grated and squeezed coconut cream, to learn about the traditional way of cooking.

The programme aimed to teach children to be: “Green, Sugar Free, Smoke/Vape Free and Alcohol/Drug Free”.

Parents were also asked to refrain from including junk food in their children’s lunches, and  plastic bottles and wraps if possible. 

On Sunday, over 100 students and leaders attended the Nikao CICC church for the final day of the programme.