This week schools in the Cook Islands celebrated literacy as the foundation of all learning with a range of activities in support of International Literacy Day.

The International Literacy Day was celebrated worldwide under the theme, Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces.

In the northern Pa Enua, the Manihiki schools – Ruamanu and Tukao – were busy with a variety of fun projects the kids enjoyed.

Anna Rauru, the principal of the Manihiki schools, said their week was celebrated using “colours” as a theme – on each day of the week students attended school dressed in a particular colour. Monday was Blue Day, Tuesday Red Day, Wednesday Yellow Day, Thursday Black and White Day and yesterday (Friday) was Green Day. 

Activities during the week – baking, drama, dance, art work, creating hats, masks and crafts work – were centered on the colours of the day. Each class presented their creative activity to the whole school, said Rauru.

On the World Literacy Day on Thursday, the Black and White colour theme was dedicated to the late Mama Vaine Makita Ruamanu who was the school patroness, former Parents Teacher Association chairperson and a staunch supporter of the Manihiki schools. 

One minute of silence was observed in both schools with a liturgical dance dedicated to Mama Vaine from the junior class of Ruamanu School, said Rauru.

Other activities the kids enjoyed were creating a Michael Jackson Black and White Hat and dance move and Batman and Bat Girls masks with dance and music.

On the Green Day yesterday, the focus was on making crafts such as hats, fans, plates, jewellery and more from green coconut fronds.

Apii Tukao and Ruamanu Schools finished off the week with a shared lunch and a sports afternoon.

“This was a great week for our students who have enjoyed the different activities,” Rauru said.

On the island of Pukapuka also in the north, Apii Niua students have been working on their speeches for a competition which will be held next week.

The entire school will be participating in the event and four students from each class will be nominated for the finals.

Each student selects one of the following topics to write about: Juniors – Me and my Five Core Values, Intermediates – Legend and Five Core Values, Seniors – Career and Five Core Values.

The five core values the students are asked to speak on are: Courage, Growth, Respect, Commitment and Pride

Principal Poti Maeva said the school has a very supportive community and everyone is looking forward to the event.