“Look back, to look forward.”
Tongan educational philosophy holds that a people's own traditional knowledge and heritage are the foundation for building its future, not something to set aside for it.
— ana-taufeulungaki, Tonga
Source: 'Ana Maui Taufe'ulungaki, "Look Back to Look Forward: A Reflective Pacific Journey," in Of Waves, Winds, and Wonderful Things: A Decade of Rethinking Pacific Education (USP Press, 2014)
More Proverbs from Tonga
God and Tonga are my inheritance.
Tonga's national motto, affirming that religious faith and the homeland together form the nation's enduring inheritance.
'Ofa binds the family and carries the nation.
'Ofa — love, compassion, and generosity — is regarded as Tonga's foundational social value, expressed through giving, caring for elders, and communal obligation.
Tauhi vā — tend the space between people.
The practice of nurturing and maintaining harmonious relationships and social space (vā) between individuals, families, and generations; a central concept in Tongan social philosophy.
Faka'apa'apa — respect is owed to all, and returned by all.
Mutual respect, especially toward elders and chiefs, is a core pillar of Tongan social conduct.
Fetokoni'aki — what one carries, all may help to carry.
Mutual help and cooperation; the expectation that community members assist one another, especially in times of need.
Mamahi'i me'a — loyalty is proven in devotion to what matters.
Deep loyalty and passionate commitment to one's family, community, church, or cause.