Fonofale (Pasifika philosophy of health):
Pasifika wellbeing is also holistic, which means the wellbeing of the whole person – spiritual, mental and physical. Wellbeing and health are linked to the communities, and the environment in which they live. This is shown in the Fonofale model.
Foundation: Family. This is the extended family – the foundation for all Pacific Island cultures.
Roof: Culture. The roof stands for the cultural values and beliefs that are the family’s shelter for life. This can include traditional as well as western ways of doing things.
Pou (posts): Connect the family to culture. The pou depend on each other. They are:
- Spiritual: The sense of wellbeing that comes from religion or spirituality or both.
- Physical: The physical health of the body.
- Mental: The mind, including thinking and emotional wellbeing.
- Other: Things like gender, sexual orientation, age, social class, employment, and education.