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ABLE's Discovering Amerika Samoa program was originally launched in the year 2011 and ran for six weeks during school break for the next two years. After a decade of hiatus, the program was relaunched in partnership with the Feleti Barstow Public Library. Over the course of four weeks, program participants (aged 6-13) were able to learn all about their island home from different angles. This jam packed curriculum had hands on experiments, a staggering amount of field trips, and numerous opportunities to speak with artists, industry professionals, political leaders, and wisened community elders. Using this community centered learning approach, ABLE hopes to instill a deeply engrained pride in our Samoan heritage and a love of learning that is rooted in personal ownership of their history, culture, and future.
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WEEK ONE: THE BASICS
To know where you're going, you must first understand where you're from. In this first week, our young learners learn about the ABCs of Samoa: geography, weather, family lineages, and symbols. Along with all the fun activities at the Maota o Tanumaleu, they also enjoyed some fun STEM activities at the Feleti Barstow public Library. In addition they took field trips to TAOA, NOAA's Weather Station, ASEPA, and the Gurr Family Orchard in Maloata!
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WEEK TWO : HISTORY
Week 2 focused on the history of Amerika Samoa.Students learned about the Pre-Colonial Samoa through oral storytelling of Samoan myths and legends, music, artifacts, and history. Students also had the opportunity to learn about Post-Colonial Samoa and the development of the economy.Week 2 had 5 field trips! Students visited the NOAA Ocean Center, South Pacific Water Sports, the AS Port of Administration, Feleti Barstow Library, and the luli Family along with the NOAA Observatory in Tula. We also had a special surprise visit from NASA and NOAA pilots who shared about their work studying hurrica.es and the atmosphere. All activities engage students in learning about Amerika Samoa and her story.
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WEEK THREE : GOVERNMENT
Week 3 focused on learning all about the 3 branches of government in Amerika Samoa. Students learned about the executive, legislative, and judicial branches through lectures, games, and in person visits to each of the branches. Vistis to the Executive Office Building, the Fono, and the High Court were highlights. Students had the opportunity to visit the Lieutenant Governor and learn more about his service to the people of Amerika Samoa. Students also visited the Senate Chambers and High Court where they were invited to ask questions and discuss what they are learning. The week ended with a drive to the village of Vatia where students learned about Amerika Samoa's National Park.
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WEEK FOUR : ARTS & CULTURE
Week 4 ended strong with fun filled activities!
Students had the opportunity to learn a Siva Samoa, paint using Samoan motifs, and elei painting. Students also learned more about the National Parks and each of them became Junior Rangers. At the closing ceremony, students were given the opportunity to display much of what they have learned throughout the program. Each table displayed student artwork, elei prints, woven plates, and more! At the ceremony, guest viewed a video about the program with information given by student participants. Students also premiered their full Amerika Samoa Rap which details information about our beautiful island.
