The Department of Education will again offer Samoan language instruction for elementary school students this summer under the ASIA or Aoga Samoa i Alalafaga Program.
ASIA was initiated by former Director of Education, Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin Finau to enhance student learning and appreciation of the native language.
ASIA goes together with DOE’s pilot program in selected elementary schools utilizing Samoan as the key language of instruction in classrooms.
The program utilizes Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa ministers and their wives to conduct classes in various villages.
Participating in ASIA this summer are the CCCAS churches in Aua, Fagatogo, Petesa-tai, Faleniu, Vailoa, Pavaiai and the Tongan Community in Pavaiai.
Lealofi Seau, ASIA Program Coordinator explained that teachers for ASIA have undergone training and are ready to begin instruction.
The program starts next Monday and classes will run from Monday to Friday.
ASIA offers Reading in the Samoan Language, Mathematics and Writing fromnMonday to Thursday while Friday is desiganted as the Cultural Day.
DOE is allocating $100,000 for ASIA which is being supported by the current DOE Director, Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga,
Since its inception three years ago, about 1,300 3rd to 8th grade students have participated.
Parents in villages where ASIA will be held or close to them are urged to visit the church ministers for registration.
