Exploring Tongan Social Work

Abstract

This article discusses two Tongan social work concepts - fakafekau'aki(connecting) and fakatokilalo(humility) - that have emerged out of qualitative research exploring the practice of Tongan social workers in New Zealand. It is argued that social work is socially constructed and that positive social change for indigenous and migrant groups in western countries requires the utilization of relevant cultural concepts as foundations for practice. The use of Tongan concepts such as fakafekau'akiand fakatokilaloimply Tongan-centric conceptualizations of professionalism and relationship in social work. Finally, it is noted that these concepts must be viewed holistically in relation to the lived reality of Tongans.