Samoa's links with NZ learnt at Pu’apu’a
Students at Pu'apu'a Primary School in Savai'i have gone back to 1962, when Samoa gained independence from New Zealand, as part of the in-school programme for the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games.
"History is one of the core aspects that remind our people of how far we have come. It makes us thankful for humble beginnings," said Principal Unasa Asotasi.
In preparations for the Games, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture has asked all schools in Samoa to adopt one of the 24 countries that are competing, take part in greening of the Games, and create posters.
Pu'apu'a is 30 minutes from Salelologa, the town on the "big island" where boxing will be staged at Don Bosco Hall from 16-19 July.
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The students have dressed up to represent New Zealand, called Aotearoa in Maori, meaning "Land of the Long White Cloud".
And they have learnt the history of New Zealand's involvement leading up to Samoa’s independence.
"Aotearoa is close to the heart for most Samoans because, in seeking for better opportunities abroad, New Zealand has become home for most of our relatives. Most of our relatives migrate to New Zealand," Unasa added.
He highlighted the importance of the programme for the students.
"As of now, many students are aware of New Zealand and the development over the years. For the students to have all this knowledge about New Zealand makes them proud to represent them."
New Zealand and Samoa has been close partners over the past few years in working together for the welfare of one another.
"Like they always say, our past would never define a person or country. We have seen New Zealand work hand in hand with Samoa in terms of seasonal workers, through the quota that has helped many families here," he said.
