Schoolchildren from across the Aroma Coast took part in the first Tumbuna Pikinini Festival last week, as organizers work to preserve traditional culture and pass knowledge to a younger generation.

The two-day festival was held at Aroma Primary School on Sept. 9 and 10, bringing together communities from 19 wards of the Maopa Local Level Government.

Students from primary, elementary and early childhood schools across the Aroma Coast performed traditional dances, songs and band performances, showcasing the cultural diversity of the communities.

The festival was officially opened on Wednesday by National Cultural Commission Festival and Events Manager Eugene Avediba, who represented NCC Director Steven Kilanda, and Maopa Levapuka Tovi Cultural Association Chairman and Festival Director Avis Vanua Vevao.

The festival was held under the theme, “Promote Peace and Unity in Diversity, Rebuild the Connection Between Younger Generation and Their Heritage.”

Vevao said the festival was established to promote and preserve the Tovi dance and pass knowledge of the tradition to children.

He said the Tovi dance was traditionally performed by adults and elders, but schools were included to help keep the tradition alive.

“Because the culture is dying in Aroma Coast, I involve schools, so students showcase their diversity, their pride and identity,” Vevao said.

He said Western lifestyles were influencing traditional practices and children needed opportunities to learn about their cultural heritage.

Vevao said the Tumbuna Pikinini Cultural Festival would become part of the education curriculum in schools across the Aroma Coast.

He said incorporating the festival into schools would give students an opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions while helping pass traditional knowledge to future generations.

Vevao also explained the traditional significance of the Tovi dance, saying it was performed as a ritual before men went to fight.

“So when dancing, if anyone fell off the coconut trunk, then it’s a sign that, he will die,” he said.

“The men will feel sick, then after two weeks he’ll die.”

The inaugural festival is expected to be followed by a larger event planned for March 2027.