Welcoming the Day: Global Inspiration ideas to start your day!

• Te Reo Māori: "He aroha whakatō, He aroha ka puta mai"

Translation: "If kindness is sown, then kindness is what you shall receive."

This whakataukī (Māori proverb) emphasizes the importance of kindness and reciprocity. An important reminder to inspire tamariki to approach their day with generosity and care for others, whether it’s waiting patiently for your turn to access kai, or helping a younger tamariki to pour their milk. Kindness matters!

• German: "Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund"

Translation: "The morning hour has gold in its mouth."

This German expression highlights the opportunity for mornings to be productive and full of success.

• Zulu (South Africa): "Sawubona"

Translation: "I see you”.

This Zulu greeting goes beyond "good morning" to acknowledge the other person’s presence and humanity. The common response, "Ngikhona" – "I am here," reflects mutual connection and respect. A greeting like this could help foster a sense of belonging and recognition in your breakfast club.

• Mandarin Chinese: "早起的鸟儿有虫吃" (Zǎo qǐ de niǎo ér yǒu chóng chī)

Translation “The early bird catches the worm.

This expression could be shared to celebrate and acknowledge those who have arrived at kura bright and early to nourish their body and start their day of learning on time!

• Samoan: "O le ala i le pule o le tautua"

Translation: "The path to leadership is through service." –

This Samoan alagā'upu (proverb) highlights the value of serving others as a way to grow and lead. It could be a great encouragement for student volunteers that support your breakfast club, that their service and support of others, also helps them to learn and achieve.

• Tongan: "Oua lau e kafo kae lau e lava"

Translation: "Stay positive and count your blessings."

This Tongan proverb reminds us to focus on gratitude and optimism. This saying could be shared to inspire tamariki to approach their day with a positive mindset

• Arabic: "Sabah al-khayr" (صباح الخير)

Translation: "Morning of goodness."

This is a common Arabic morning greeting, wishing someone a good and prosperous morning. The response is often "Sabah al-noor" (صباح النور), meaning "Morning of light," a beautiful way to wish the other a bright and happy start to their day.

• Filipino: "Ang maagang pagbangon ay daan sa tagumpay"

Translation: "Waking up early is the path to success."

This Filipino saying emphasizes the value of starting the day early and with purpose, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast club.

• Irish Gaelic: "Go n-éirí an bóthar leat"

Translation: May the road [i.e. the journey] be successful for you.

This traditional Irish blessing is often used to wish someone success and ease in their journey, it could be used to wish tamariki all the best as they leave breakfast club to start their day.

Keen to learn more? Check out these links:

• Greetings in different languages | Ethnic Communities
• https://www.mpp.govt.nz/publications-resources/resources/pacific-language-cards/
• https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/tapas-proverbs/5637193359.p
• The Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language - NZSL Online