‘The Beginning of Life’ a documentary focused on giving children the best possible start to life and reinforcing the proverb "it takes a village to raise a child", screened for the first time in the Pacific region on August 30, in Suva, Fiji.

Education leaders, government, parents, and teachers attended the event and around 100 children watched a shorter session, including a musical performance from the University of the South Pacific’s Pasifika Voices Choir.

The film documents the lives of young children and their families across the world highlighting how important a child’s environment at an early stage can shape their thoughts, emotions and social interaction and development.

A panel discussion held at the screening involved a host of education professionals including government.

Igelese Ete, Director of Pasifika Voices and Head of Performing Arts at USP, believes everyone has a role to play in the upbringing of a child including fathers.

“There is a need for fathers to be engaged with their children, not only from birth but also from before birth. It’s important that fathers spend time connecting emotionally, intellectually and spiritually with their children at any young age.”

Children learn through play

Dr Lavinia Tiko, Coordinator for Early Childhood Education and Care at USP, said that families and communities also have a role to play.

“Families and communities are vital in a child’s life, especially during the first years of life. In the context of the Fijian culture, a child is never alone.”

Kelesi Whippy also from the Early Childhood Education and Care said that there is a misconception in the Fijian culture of ‘Noda vaka tatalo’ where playing is seen as a waste of time.

“Children learn through play, which needs to be brought to the forefront so children learn comfortably,” she said.

Fiji’s Education Officer for Early Childhood Education, Ministry of Education, Manu Turagabeci said the curriculum for early childhood education was being assessed.

“Fiji’s national curriculum on Early Childhood Care and Education is currently under review and is bound to have improved guidelines on children’s early years.”

Another panelist, Analesi Tuicaumia, Director of Early Learning Center Fiji said, “The struggle mothers go through is shown clearly in this movie. Lots of people talk about early years but how can we pay attention to it? The quality of early childhood brings about the quality of adulthood. We think a child is a citizen of tomorrow but a child is a citizen born today.”

The Beginning of Life [2] is supported by UNICEF and produced by Maria Farinha Filmes. The film was released on iTunes and Netflix on 1 June 2016 in six languages and subtitled in 21 languages.