Our TV episodes from Solomon Islands, Samoa and Niue are now live!

In Niue, Samoa and the Solomon Islands, we have created 3 new TV shows for children. Let our stories inspire you to sing, dance and play!

Pacific Storytime and Play TV series promo

Children’s media project promoting inclusion and learning in the Pacific

Storytime and Play supports a vibrant local children’s media movement to promote inclusion and equitable learning opportunities for all children in the Pacific. We are on a mission to establish a regional children’s media development and play program that is created according to Pacific culture and language.

This website shares project stories, media content and masterclass learnings. We hope you enjoy exploring this dynamic learning space, memory box and archive.

The power of stories

“The power of Kastom Stories and storytelling is slowly diminishing from our society. It’s not because we intend for this, but it’s because the world is changing, interests have shifted. For us, the writers and artists, the process was an important one. It took us back to a moment when our parents told us about their upbringing in the storytelling world. It was interesting, a huge learning and we are very proud to be carrying that forward for whoever is coming next.”

Dreamcast, SOLOMON ISLANDS

Finding a voice

“In the Pacific Island culture is the fear of making mistakes. This young boy who we are working with, that’s been driving the stories, he’s grown so much as a young person, especially his confidence. The mum has seen it without me trying to preach to her. ‘Let him play, let him find the character’s voice‘, which has allowed him to find his voice.”

RockSteady, NIUE

 

Breaking the mould

“Early childhood development is new here in Samoa. Storytime & Play provides an alternative way of looking at it, where it’s not only from an academic perspective, but to really get parents’ participation. We want to be able to break the mould, to impact and to change the mindsets and see a positive impact.  We want our kids to be seen and heard.”

Samoa Gem, SAMOA

Our Work

Between 2022-2024, a local children’s television and radio series was created in the Pacific Island countries of Niue, Samoa and Solomon Islands.

Traditional stories were adapted for children’s media to celebrate indigenous languages, cultures, storytelling and learning.

Alongside the TV shows, countries worked with early childhood educators to roll out Play Hubs at community level to support children’s playbased learning.