U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa Tom Udall was in Samoa last week, to welcome back the U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers and launch a new American Corner in Salelologa.
Starting off his trip in Savai’i, Ambassador Udall and Minister of Education, Sports, and Culture Honorable Seuula Ioane cut the ribbon to officially open the new American Corner Salelologa.
In a statement issued stated that the American Corner Salelologa will serve as a strong platform on which we can continue to build upon our friendship, and as a physical reminder of our Embassy’s commitment to continued engagement between the people of the United States and Samoa.
American Corners are places where visitors can connect and learn about the United States and access educational resources and information about opportunities both in Samoa and the United States,” said Ambassador Udall.
During the launching ceremony, students from Salelologa Primary School sang a thank you hymn and performed a celebratory Samoan dance as a gesture of gratitude on behalf of the Ministry and schools in Savai’i.
“This American Corner will have a positive impact on the community as well as continue to promote education, literacy, and numeracy. It will bridge the gap between students in
Samoa and the world by providing access to information” said Seuula Ioane.
The Ambassador also presented some reading books and educational materials to add to the school library. “It is always exciting to receive new books and resources to add to the children’s learning,” said Principal Perosi Viliamu.
Ambassador Udall visited the Saleaula Lava Field, where he witnessed the devastation caused by the lava more than 100 years ago affecting the community and churches in Saleaula. He was shown the Virgin’s Grave that was discovered to be unaffected by lava and he was proud to pay his respects.
To wrap up his Savai’i trip, Ambassador Udall visited the Sapapalii Mangroves Reserve, which was funded by a USAID project focused on adaptation and conservation of the coastline.
The program also promotes the environmental benefits of mangroves to the community and marine life.