On Monday, July 14, twelve new U.S. Peace Corps English Literacy trainees arrived in Samoa to start a two-year program with the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC). The trainees will serve as English Resource Teachers in government primary schools across Samoan villages.
Earlier today, the Ministry of Education and Culture hosted an Ava Ceremony at the MEC fale to welcome these new arrivals. Attendees included Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tuaopepe Perenise Tinei, Peace Corps Country Director Gini Wilderson, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Tarapacki.
Peace Corps Country Director Gini Wilderson expressed her satisfaction by stating, “I am pleased to welcome our newest English Literacy Trainees who will build on the work of their predecessors to improve primary school students’ English literacy rates, enhance school libraries, and build the capacity of Samoan co-teachers.”
For many volunteers, serving in Samoa presents an opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives. One volunteer emphasized the importance of literacy by saying, “As an educator, I believe that literacy is the key to the world. My primary aspiration is to get my students excited about reading and writing.” Another volunteer highlighted education's role in achieving life goals: “I realize how important education is in the hopes of accomplishing dreams and goals in life.” Others are eager to integrate into their communities: “I hope to become as much a part of my community as possible,” shared one volunteer.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Tarapacki remarked, “To our partners in the Ministry of Education and Culture, and to the communities across Samoa: Thank you for welcoming our volunteers. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of Group 95 in local communities.”
The 95th group will spend their first 11 weeks undergoing Pre-Service Training that includes learning Samoan language and culture along with technical training. This initial training phase starts in Apia before moving on for ten weeks with host families.
The partnership between Samoa's government and Peace Corps has lasted nearly six decades since 1967 with over 2,000 volunteers contributing technical assistance while fostering cross-cultural ties.