🌺 Kakala Framework – Overview
The Kakala Framework is a Pacific research and teaching model developed by
Professor Konai Helu Thaman, a Tongan scholar.
It uses the metaphor of making a kakala — a fragrant garland of flowers — to
represent the process of gathering, creating, and sharing knowledge in a
culturally grounded and respectful way.
🌺 Meaning and Cultural Roots
In Tongan culture, kakala (garland) is made with care, beauty, and respect, usually
to honour others.
Each step in making the garland symbolises a stage in the research or educational
process.
It reflects Tongan and wider Pacific values like respect, reciprocity, community,
and love.
🌺 Core Stages of the Framework
Traditionally, the framework includes three main stages, later expanded to six to
better capture the learning journey.
Stage
Tongan
Word
Meaning / Research Phase
1️⃣ Teu
Preparation
Getting ready — planning the research or teaching, setting
purpose and relationships.
2️⃣ Toli
Gathering
Collecting flowers — or gathering data, stories, and
experiences respectfully.
3️⃣ Tui
Weaving
Analysing and connecting ideas, like stringing flowers into a
garland.
4️⃣ Luva Giving
Presenting or sharing the garland (knowledge) as a gift to
others — dissemination of findings.
5️⃣
Māfana
The emotional response — inspiration and passion that
comes from the shared knowledge.
Warmth
6️⃣ Mālie Harmony
The sense of satisfaction and beauty when the process and
outcomes align harmoniously.