The Department of Education Summit on Public Education convened at the American Samoa Community College Multi Purpose Center on Wednesday.
Educators, government leaders, business representatives, church ministers and students attended the summit whose purpose is to gather input that would help form DOE’s 5-year Strategic Plan for Education in American Samoa.
Rev Elder Fouvale Asiata of the Atuu CCCAS, former chairman of the Board of Higher Education offered the invocation emphasizing that teachers have a God given role to mold students and prepare them for the future. His advice to educators is to follow the lessons in the Good Book which teach about moral character and ethical behavior.
Director of Education Maefau Dr Mary Taufetee spoke about the theme of the summit: Build the House with Many Posts. She said with all contributing dialogue and ideas, the territory can build a strong education system that will serve the students, our future leaders.
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Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said health and education were the top priorities of their administration. He recollected the life of his father who was the first American Samoan to be appointed as Director of Education, a man who only had eight years of formal education under the Marist Brothers and then became an assistant teacher and principal for many schools before climbing the ranks to take the helm at DOE.
In his remarks the Governor said that he is thankful everyday for the opportunity to serve as Governor of American Samoa.
He announced that he will run again in 2028 as he wants to use his knowledge and talents to serve the territory.
The Governor suggested that DOE monitor students from Grade 6 to determine their interest and by the time they graduate they should have chosen a career.
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