The Kakala framework

Have you heard of the Kakala framework? Kalaka is the "communal process [of weaving together a string or lei of flowers] that demonstrates collaboration, sharing of resources and the passing of skills to the next generation" (Fua, 2011, p. 50). The Kalaka framework is the Tongan creation of "Professor Konai Helu Thaman as an articulation of her conceptualisation of teaching and learning", and provides Pasifika people the "opportunity to articulate theories from their perspectives and to recognise Pacific world views in their thinking" (p. 50).  Kalaka is a "garland made of flowers and leaves to be worn in special occasions, or presented to a special guest as a sign of ‘ofa (love) and faka’apa’apa (respect)" (Fono, 2014). 

Kakala has 3 phases (Fono, 2014): 

1. Toli (picking). This first stage is selecting the flowers. This is where we gather client information, while incorporating and being aware of the walls of our Whare or Fale, our context (linking to Te Whare Tapa Wha, Durie, 1985; and Fonofale; Pulotu-Endemann, 2001). This also aligns with the first stage in the SODA model of ‘Knowing yourself’ (Careers NZ, 2022). This is where we consider who our clients are: "gender, age, marital status [... and] How much they know already[.] What I have in common with them e.g. experiences, ideas[. Exploring] their interests and social standing", education, relationships, experience and so on (Fono, 2014)
2. Tui (stringing). This is about finding the "similarities, variations, and new emerging patterns in" what we are searching for (Fua, 2011, p. 54). This second stage is focused on creating the plan or next steps in the career journey towards specific goals. The plan may change as we go, to better suit the recipient, as this is a creative  "process of negotiation and correction" (p. 54). 
3. Luva (respectful gift). Luva is "a gift [...] given with heartfelt sincerity, humility, and honour" (Fua, 2011, p. 54). This last stage is the action or outcome; and is serious, about the "work and sacrifice has been required to create the gift being given" (p. 54).

I was introduced to this recently and, while Kalaka is predominately used for research and health sectors, I can definitely see the potential for use within career development. When looking at the 3 stages of the Kakala model, there appears to be a correlation between Te Whare Tapa Wha, Fonofale, and the SODA model for career planning. 

I hope to see more of this.

Sam

References:

Careers New Zealand. (2022) Te Whare Tapa Whā. https://www.careers.govt.nz/assets/pages/docs/Final-career-theory-model-te-whare-tapa-wha-20170501.pdf

Durie, M. H. (1985). A Māori perspective of health. Social Science & Medicine, 20(5), 483-486. https://doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(85)90363-6

Fono, T. L. (2014). Setting the scene: Working with pacific families [slide deck]. https://ana.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mafi-tino-lelei.pdf

Fua, S. J. (2011). Kakala Research Framework: A Garland in Celebration of a Decade of Rethinking Education. Project: Rethinking Pacific Education Initiative for and by Pacific People (RPEIPP, REAP). https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/77223133.pdf

Pulotu-Endemann, F. K. (2001). Fonofale: Model of Health. Pacific Models for Health Promotion Workshop at Massey University, Wellington Campus, 7 September 2009. https://www.nelsontasmankindergartens.com/uploads/1/4/4/2/14426744/fonofalemodelexplanation.pdf