O Jan, o ia o se auauna filiga tautua ma le fa’amaoni. O se Ta’iTa’i le fefe. Sa ia tauivi malosi, ina ia a’oa’oina le Gagana Samoa i Aoga Amata I Aotearoa nei. Fa’afetai Jan i lau Tautua. Ia Manuia lau Malaga.
The NZEI Te Riu Roa Pasifika Leadership Caucus joins the many voices across Aotearoa and the Moana Nui a Kiwa in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Jan Taouma – a visionary, a champion of Gagana Sāmoa, and a lifelong advocate for the importance of early childhood education.
Jan’s unwavering commitment to Pacific education laid the foundation for generations of learners and educators. As the founder of A’oga Fa’a Sāmoa – Aotearoa’s first licensed Sāmoan-language immersion early childhood centre – Jan did not simply create a place of learning; she nurtured a movement. Her legacy lives on in the many aoga amata across the country that were inspired by her bold leadership, fierce advocacy, and deep love for her people and their language.
Jan was a valued participant and presenter at our NZEI national conferences and other Pasifika Education conferences over many years, where she shared her expertise and passion for Gagana Sāmoa, early childhood education, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. Her presence was always deeply felt—both for her knowledge and for her generous spirit. She was a courageous leader who challenged the system to do better for our tamaiti, our aiga, and our teachers.
Through her work, Jan not only elevated the role of Pacific languages in education, but also affirmed the centrality of early childhood education as a critical foundation for lifelong learning and identity development.
We honour her service, her legacy, and the deep impact she made on the teaching profession. We extend our alofa and heartfelt condolences to her aiga and all those who loved and worked alongside her.
Ia manuia lau malaga, Jan. Fa’afetai tele lava mo lau tautua.
May your journey be blessed. Thank you for your tireless service.
From your fellow advocates in the NZEI Te Riu Roa Pasifika Leadership Caucus