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Fonofale Model of Health

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Fonofale Model of Health

Use the Fonofale Model to interpret the scenario and explain how its connected parts can support wellbeing. The model was developed by Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann and is grounded in Pacific worldviews. Pacific peoples are diverse, so avoid assuming that one description fits every person or family. Answer respectfully and consider the person’s own preferences.

Read the scenario

Mele, 16, is preparing for NCEA assessments while helping care for a younger sibling. She has been sleeping poorly and feels anxious about disappointing her family. Her family values staying connected and attending church, but transport costs have made it harder to get to some activities. Mele says she would like support with study planning and wants to speak with someone who understands her culture. Her family is caring, although they have not yet discussed how pressured she feels.

Read the model

Answer questions 1–4 using this description of the Fonofale house model: the foundation represents family and significant family relationships; the roof represents culture, beliefs, and values; the four posts represent physical, mental, spiritual, and other dimensions of wellbeing; and the surrounding context represents environment, time, and context.

1.Which statement best describes how the Fonofale model views health?

Health is mainly the absence of physical illness.
Wellbeing is holistic and shaped by connected dimensions, family, culture, and context.
Everyone should follow the same cultural practices to stay well.
Mental health can be considered separately from family and surroundings.

2.Match each part of the house model with its role. Write the letter beside each description. A. Foundation B. Roof C. Four posts D. Surrounding context 1. Physical, mental, spiritual, and other dimensions of wellbeing 2. Family and other significant family relationships 3. Culture, beliefs, and values 4. Environment, time, and context

3.True or false: In Fonofale, the surrounding context is separate from the house and cannot affect its other parts. Give one reason for your answer.

TrueFalse

4.In one or two sentences, explain why a change in one part of the Fonofale model may affect other parts.

Apply the model to Mele

Use details from the scenario. Consider possible support rather than making assumptions about what Mele or her family believe.

5.Identify one clue about Mele’s physical wellbeing and one clue about her mental or emotional wellbeing. Explain what each clue might suggest.

6.Choose two different Fonofale posts that could be supported in Mele’s situation. For each, suggest one practical action that Mele would have a say in.

7.The family is the foundation of the Fonofale model. Suggest a respectful way family connection could support Mele, while recognising that she may want privacy or a different kind of support.

8.Explain how one contextual factor in the scenario affects Mele’s wellbeing, and name one change or support that could reduce its impact.

9.Mele asks for someone who understands her culture. Which is the most culturally safe first response?

Tell her what her culture requires and decide which family member should help.
Ask Mele what kind of support she wants, listen without assumptions, and offer suitable support options.
Assume church support is all she needs because she attends church.
Avoid discussing culture so that everyone is treated identically.

10.A classmate says, “The four posts are just four separate problems to fix.” Write a short response correcting this idea and using one example from Mele’s scenario.

11.Write a brief wellbeing plan for Mele with one action for family or connection, one action for a post (physical, mental, spiritual, or other), and one action addressing context. Include how Mele’s choice and consent will guide the plan.

12.Reflection: Name one question you would ask Mele before recommending support, and explain why asking first matters.