World Indigenous Pageant 2005 Student Testimonials
I stayed on the Marae for 1 week. During this time, there were about 20 people who stayed there.
For 3 days we practised our speeches and our dances that were our own traditional dances. We also practiced walking like models. All of this was hard work but it was also great fun.
Moreover, we had many different food at dinner time, for example; Maori, Korean, Japanese and Pacific Island. All of them were nice and delicious. I really liked them.
Mainly, I was glad to see many nice people. They were very kind and taught us many things which were songs, Maori game and what aroha is.
I appreciated that I could share the nice time with nice people and have the opportunity.
Thank you very much.
Sawako Kashiwagi (Left in photo) , Japan
This indigenous festival was a good opportunity to experience different culture.
I had never been to marae also I didn’t know traditional culture, food as well.
It’s wonderful time to know each other.
Park Jung Lye, Korea
I joined in the World Indigenous Programme because I want to know about Maori culture but I received more than that. I really enjoyed to spend my time in Otorohanga, especially living in marae. I have a lot of friends from different countries and we shared everything together same as a family. Although my friends come from different parts of the world, we are a family in this marae. I’ve never expected that I will have a wonderful experience like this so I felt the seven days that we lived together too short for me but it’s unforgettable experience for me.
Jeranun Jitawatanarat, Thailand
I learned a lot of things from marae, not only practicing English. Actually we had to practice hard for the performance and speech to show people how we are professional but it could be a big power for me to have a confidence.
Personally I believe the most important thing in this “Maori culture experience” is “friends.” During the six days, everyone became one and we were big family. We helped each other. I learned a lot of things from them. Especially, I spent my 21st birthday and everyone congratulated my birthday. I couldn’t expect I would spend such a good time. How lucky I am to join this event. Thanks to everyone.
Lee, Sol Min, Korea
The life in marae was like in the army. I mean, we spent a week together, we appreciated each other’s strong points and accepted each other’s shortcomings; we shared the honour and took the responsibilities together. But the most important thing is we formed the strong ties of friendship between the members. We have such a wonderful memory of this period of time, and it's gonna never be forgotten, although we might never meet again. I want to say thank you to all people involved in the events. Because of them, I enrich my life. Thanks x 100!!
Howard, Taiwan
This experience was most impressive for me.
Firstly, his event was free but we are satisfied everything. We have no complaints. We can’t believe that it was free.
Secondly, we understand our each other’s culture and made a good relationship. I think, to accept each other’s culture is good to make friends. And also it brings us great knowledge.
Thirdly, this was a good opportunity to meet other people.
Tatsuya Kato, Japan
I experienced Maori culture, all new things experienced to me. I visited Maori meeting house in marae and stayed for a week.
I remember very kind Maori people.
We stayed in marae with different countries’ students. Also I experienced other country's cultures. Everyday we cooked different country traditional food.
We prepared cultural performances. I understood other country’s culture a little bit. Maori people helped for our performance. I met new face students and people.
I never forget experience Maori culture, people and spent time together in marae.
Finally, I could join experience Maori culture.
Thanks, AIS St Helens
Kim, Won Hee, Korea
It was nice experience to understand other countries. When we met at the first, we didn't know each other. But throughout a preparatory period, we could understand each country’s culture and become familiarly. And I received a lot of help from them help to redress my mistake and encouraged me.
I think that this event is good chance to improve myself in English.
I will never forget this experience and memory.
I appreciate AIS St Helens to give such a good chance for me.
Bae, Min Sung, Korea
I didn't know what to expect from Maori culture before I went. As you might expect, I was really interested in what the week had to offer.
I ended up making a lot of friends from other countries. I won't forget the friends and memories that I made that week.
If I have the opportunity, I'll certainly go to there again.
Min Sun Choi, Korea
