Samoa
Samoa votes against reintroducing corporal punishment in schools
Oceania/samoa/GEM Report
Resumen: El castigo corporal sólo fue prohibido en las escuelas de Samoa en 2013. Sin embargo, cuatro años después, el tema volvió a ser discutido. Afortunadamente, hace unos días, el Gabinete decidió mantener la prohibición. Entre los que han cuestionado si la prohibición de los castigos corporales es correcta, un alto funcionario de educación se preocupó de que la prohibición sirviera para proteger sólo los derechos del niño y no los del maestro . Millones de niños de todo el mundo sufren violencia física en la escuela bajo el disfraz de disciplina: más de la mitad de los niños de todo el mundo viven en países donde no tienen protección legal contra el castigo corporal , de los cuales el 45% vive en Asia meridional. Hasta diciembre de 2014, 122 estados habían prohibido el castigo corporal en las escuelas; 76 no tenía tales prohibiciones. En Samoa, el debate se centró en la prevalencia de la violencia en las escuelas, que se acumuló en el gobierno cerrando una escuela secundaria conectada a varias peleas violentas entre estudiantes. La Encuesta Mundial de Salud Estudiantil basada en la Escuela (GSHS) muestra hasta qué punto existe una cultura de violencia entre los estudiantes en el país. Como muestra el Informe GEM de 2016 , aproximadamente el 70% de los adolescentes en Samoa informaron que habían estado involucrados en una pelea física en los últimos 12 meses, mucho mayor que cualquier otro país que participó en la encuesta.
Corporal punishment was only banned in Samoan schools in 2013. Four years later, however, the issue was once again up for debate. Thankfully, a matter of days ago,Cabinet decided to uphold the ban. Amongst those who have questioned whether the ban on corporal punishment is correct was a leading education official who worried that the ban served to protect only the child’s rights and not those of the teacher.
Millions of children around the world suffer physical violence at school under the guise of discipline: over one-half of all children worldwide live in countries where they have no legal protection from corporal punishment, of which 45% live in South Asia. As of December 2014, 122 states had prohibited corporal punishment in schools; 76 had no such prohibitions.
In Samoa, the debate centred on the prevalence of violence in schools, which cumulated in the government closing a high school connected to several violent fights between students. The Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) shows the extent to which there is a culture of violence among students in the country. As the 2016 GEM Report showed, about 70% of adolescents in Samoa reported that they had been involved in a physical fight in the past 12 months, much higher than any other country that participated in the survey.
Up until as recently as last month, the Education Minister, Loau Keneti Sio, had suggested that corporal punishment could be an effective way to decrease the instances of school-based violence. However, a visit from a United Nations panel, which urged the government to reject efforts to reintroduce corporal punishment for students, appears to have influenced the government’s thinking on the issue.
This was the right decision. Corporal punishment violates children’s rights. It undermines multiple other rights as well, including their right to education. As with many policies, this one has a gendered dimension, affecting boys more than girls. As may be expected, it has also been shown to have clear links to increased student drop out, especially for children from low income and migrant families already disadvantaged by economic pressures.
Recognizing its prevalence as a form of physical violence suffered in schools, corporal punishment is covered by one of the thematic indicators of the SDG monitoring framework, under Target 4a, which focuses on providing safe and effective learning environments for all. This will help remind countries to recognize that it is not permissible to allow corporal punishment to go unchecked.
Fuente: https://gemreportunesco.wordpress.com/2017/08/24/samoa-votes-against-reintroducing-corporal-punishment-in-schools/#more-10624
Imagen tomada de: http://www.amsamoa.edu/pressreleases/images/140508Calling.JPG
Samoa: Teaching the teachers
Samoa / 29 de junio de 2016 / Por: Mathias Huckert / Fuente: http://www.samoaobserver.ws/
When it comes to the process of learning, every idea can be helpful. That is why Samoa’s Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture has launched a workshop in cooperation with Samoa Peace Corps.
The two-day training will provide new ideas, suggestions and perceptions in the areas of literacy and numeracy and science for teachers all around the island of Upolu.
SUPPORTING LOCAL TEACHERS: The workshop
hosted by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture
is supported by Peace Corps Samoa.
“We’ve looked in targeting teachers who teach the years one, two and three in particular,” said Faatamali’i Jenny Lauano, A.C.E.O of the Teacher Development Division
According to Mrs. Lauano, the revision of teaching methods during this period of the student’s schooling especially has to be valued.
“We’ve noticed that if students come up to the following years like year four or five and six, it is just too late to address their literacy needs. That is why we decided to provide additional training for our early primary teachers, in which they will learn about other methods or ideas”.
These new methods and ideas include for instance the presentation of guided reading programs or activities which can be used by the teachers to ensure about their student’s constant attention during lessons.
“We are lucky to get support in these new teaching methods by some Peace Corps volunteers, which are great at that.”
After some general information on the newly established teaching methods, the groups of primary teachers were split, taking part in an actual practical demonstration of what they had been presented with so far.
At the hotel’s exterior area, the teachers were introduced to new ways of teaching in four different working stations, each led by one of the Peace Corps volunteers.
“Our volunteers come from both islands, Savai’i and Upolu to share their knowledge with the participants here”, said Dina Uisitini, Programme Manager of the Peace Corps in Samoa.
“The work stations the teachers are passing through include different areas in the field of literacy, such as writing activities, word work, activities with the alphabet or guided reading”.
The workshop, which will continue with participating teachers from the other side of the island on Wednesday and Thursday, will also take place on the island of Savai’i as well in the next week, to support the local primary teachers in this part of the country.
“We obviously can’t work miracles overnight, but if we start supporting early primary years with events like this workshop here, we will soon see a positive difference in the way our students gain the ability to read and write during the next years to come.”
Samoa: Students embark on the ‘trip of a life time’
Samoa: Students embark on the ‘trip of a life time’
Oceanía/Samoa/junio de 2016/Samoa Observer
Resumen: Doce estudiantes de Samoa – incluyendo dos ganadores del concurso de Cuento Samoa Observador – están saliendo del país para el viaje de su vida en la actualidad. El grupo se dirige a China para las próximas dos semanas para aprender más sobre la cultura de ese país y la vida en uno de los países más poblados del mundo. El embajador chino en Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, felicitó a los estudiantes por haber sido elegido para representar a Samoa
Twelve students from Samoa – including two winners of the Samoa Observer Short Story competition – are leaving the country for the trip of a lifetime today.
The group is heading to China for the next two weeks to learn more about the Chinese culture and life in one of the most populous countries in the world.
On Monday, a pre-departure briefing was held at the residence of the Chinese Embassy.
Chinese Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, congratulated the students for being chosen to represent Samoa.
“I am sure you will have a pleasant and interesting trip to China,” he said. “I want to congratulate you all because you have been selected by the University and you have been selected as the intelligent students and so you are ambassadors for Samoa.
“This is the first time for the Chinese Embassy to invite the young people to visit China, so I think you will cherish this opportunity.” Ambassador Wang said the group would visit a number of historical sites in China including the Great Wall in Beijing.
“There is a saying in China that goes, ‘if you go to China and don’t get to see the Great Wall then you haven’t been to China’ so for this trip if you don’t taste our roasted duck you haven’t been to China,” he said. University students ready to travel
By Deidre Fanene
Foto: Ir a China: el embajador chino Wang Xuefeng con la Delegación de Jóvenes que dejará para la China de hoy.
Fuente:
http://www.samoaobserver.ws/en/15_06_2016/local/7450/Students-embark-on-the-%E2%80%98trip-of-a-life-time%E2%80%99.htm
Samoa: KANANA FOU CLASS OF 2016 — “FEAR OF GOD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM”
Samoa: KANANA FOU CLASS OF 2016 — “FEAR OF GOD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM”
Samoa/Mayo de 2016/ Samoa News
Resumen: El Kanana Fou de la escuela, Clase de 2016, celebró su ceremonia de graduación ayer por la mañana en la Capilla Taunu’u Ua bajo el tema sacado de la Biblia – Libro de los Proverbios: «O le mata’u i Le Atua, o le lea o le amataga poto «(» el temor de Dios es el principio de la sabiduría «).
The Kanana Fou High School Stallions Class of 2016 held its commencement ceremony yesterday morning at the Ua Taunu’u Chapel under the theme pulled from the Bible — Book of Proverbs: “O le mata’u i le Atua, o le amataga lea o le poto” (“Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom”).
This year’s coverage of the 2016 High School Graduation Awards in the Territory is brought to you by Paramount Builders, a local company that prides itself in promoting education and investing in the territory’s children.
“Paramount Builders wants nothing more than to see our children succeed in whatever they do, whether it involves aspirations to work in the government or private sector. Our children are the most important resource we have. Invest in them.”
This year, the Stallions produced 39 scholars who are well on their way to bright futures.
Top honors went to class valedictorian Monalisa Afoa who scored a 1260 on her SAT and will be attending the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) in the fall.
In her speech, Afoa reminded her fellow graduates to seek out guidance from God, and “remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” She urged her peers to obey their parents, obey God, and everything else will fall into place.
Monalisa Afoa — Valedictorian for Kanana Fou HS Class of 2016 pictured with her family. [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]
Afoa was introduced by the Class of 2016 salutatorian, Quendolynn Eseroma who graduated with a GPA of 3.92 and a SAT score of 1130.
Eseroma has been accepted to Washington State University and was awarded the Southern Utah University-Centurium Non-Resident Scholarship of $5,000 per year.
Quendolynn Eseroma — Salutatorian for Kanana Fou HS Class of 2016. [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]
In her brief introductory remarks, Eseroma fought back tears as she spoke about her relationship with the ‘sister she never had’. She told the audience that she and class valedictorian Afoa came to Kanana Fou as strangers and now they will be leaving as the ‘best of friends’.
Both girls are members of the National Honor Society.
In addition to the top two, other students from the graduating class received numerous awards and letters of acceptance from colleges and universities off island. Some have opted to swear in to service in the US Armed Forces while others will begin their quest for higher learning at the American Samoa Community College.
Those who may be part of the ASCC Fall 2016 class roster include: Fa’amagalo Tanu, Fanuatanu Moliga, Florence Ulutu, Florina Ching Sam, Jamaica Taimalie, Jessie V. Faleafine, Junnette Boat, Kimberly Feagaimaleata, Kirikiti Aulaumea, Li’amatua Tufele, Lizabelle Mata’u, Mataniufeagaimaleata Ioane, Peniamina Poasa, Peretana Tima, Pita Tusitala, Sanito Eliu, Selafina Patea, Toke Vivao, Tuutautala M. Ioane, Andrew Misioka, Bernice Fa’alevao, Castello Namo, Elisa Luani, Emmanuel J. Afusa, Uputaua Faleali’i, Vaipuna Tunoa, and Vaoita Taumanupepe.
Graduates who have been accepted to Southern Utah University are Vaipuna Tunoa, Celestine Sasa Shalhout, Florina Ching Sam, Jamaica Taimalie, and Quendolynn Eseroma.
Future military servicemen and women include Filifiliauro Sa’au, Florina Ching Sam, Junnette Boat, Lizabelle Mata’u, Maryrose Iramk, Paige Ale, Peniamina Se’elua, Uputaua Faleali’i, Carizmon Ae, and Demelio Tua.
A Presidential Academic Scholarship of $10,000 was awarded to Jessie V. Faleafine who scored 1410 on the SAT and has been accepted to Johnson and Wales University.
Katherina Roe was accepted to Chaminade University in Honolulu, and she is eligible for scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 per year.
Osana Esekia has been accepted to Weber State University in Utah and Keiser University in Florida with a merit scholarship of $3,500 per year for four years.
Brendalynn I’amanu Fuimaono scored 1110 on the SAT and has been accepted to Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.
Graduates with multiple scholarship offers and letters of acceptance include: Celestine Sasa Shalhout, Demelio Fruean Tua, and Uputaua Faleali’i.
Shalhout scored 1170 on the SAT and has been accepted to Southern Utah University with a Centurium Non-Resident Scholarship of $5,500. She also has the choice to attend Mira Costa Community College in Oceanside, CA
Uputaua Faleali’i, with an SAT score of 1360, has enlisted in the US Army, although he was accepted at Hawaii Pacific University, Chaminade University, and Southern Utah University.
Demelio Fruean Tua, who was accepted by the most colleges and received the most scholarship offers of all the graduates, rounds off our list of future leaders.
Demelio Fruean Tua of Fagasa and Pago Pago finished off his high school years with an SAT score of 1640, the highest for KFHS, not including numerous scholarship awards from off island colleges and universities. Tua will attend Wentworth Military Academy/ROTC College in Missouri in the fall on a full ride merit scholarship. [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]
Tua was accepted to Wentworth Military Academy/ROTC College in Missouri with a merit scholarship, full ride of $25,000.
This doesn’t include a $45,000 merit scholarship from Pacific University, $30,000 merit scholarships from both Northern Arizona State University and Montana State University in Bozeman, and $25,000 merit scholarships from Colorado State University and Dixie State University.
Yesterday’s two-hour long ceremony concluded with the graduates being spoiled with candy and flower ulas, cards stuffed with monetary gifts, balloons, tuiga (headpieces) adorned with dead presidents, and plenty of tears, hugs, kisses, and congratulatory messages from parents, family members and friends who were present.
Fuente: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/kanana-fou-class-2016-%E2%80%94-%E2%80%9Cfear-god-beginning-wisdom%E2%80%9D
Foto: http://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_image/KF_7849.jpg
Thirty-nine (39) students graduated from Kanana Fou High School Thursday, May 26, 2016. Seen here is the graduating class of 2016 performing a special farewell number for the teachers, staff, and faculty of KFHS during their
Samoa: Avele College closed after threats appear on Facebook
Samoa: Avele College closed after threats appear on Facebook
Resumen: El Gobierno de Samoa ha cerrado Avele Colegio en espera de una investigación policial sobre las amenazas que fueron publicados en una página de Facebook que pertenece a un estudiante Avele – donde los estudiantes Avele Se instó a la violencia mediante el uso de cuchillos y cócteles molotov
The Samoa Government has closed down Avele College pending a police investigation into threats that were made public on a Facebook page belonging to an Avele student — where Avele students were urged to violence by using knives and Molotov cocktails, as well as broken glass. In a statement issued by the Samoa Government earlier this week, the Cabinet confirmed its decision to close Avele College pending the outcome of police investigations into continued and increasing acts of violence by students. (A Molotov cocktail is a makeshift bomb made of a breakable container such as glass, filled with flammable liquid and stuffed with a means of ignition, such as a rag or cord.) The statement further says that the recent threats by Avele College students toward other schools, students and teachers, has caused widespread panic and has seen the deployment of police officers in riot gear earlier this week. In a Facebook post, that was largely claimed to be created by Avele students, Senior students were asked to wait for instructions at a certain area and they would march down to a place near the school. They were to have on hand Molotov cocktails and knives. According to the post the ninth and tenth graders were to bring with them knives or broken glass to stab the students from the other schools; and they were to stab anyone from the other schools, including the girls and also the teachers. Students were told not to beat up only the male students, but also the females and the teachers. (Samoa News has a screen shot of one of the Facebook posts, and notes that all posts have since been taken down.) According to the Samoa Government’s statement, the Ministry of Police has been directed to urgently proceed with their investigations; to identify those who are responsible for encouraging and participating in acts of violence that have caused widespread disruption and danger to other schools and to the general public. “Cabinet has also decided that from 2017, all government grants for Mission Schools will be disbursed directly to schools, and no longer through their respective Education Boards. This will ensure that schools with students who habitually and continuously flout police authority will be denied future grant assistance.” The statement further says that the Cabinet has also directed the Office of the Attorney General “to draft legislation to help discourage, stop and prevent the type of behavior that leads to acts of violence between school students, thereby causing injury and creating an environment of fear amongst students, teachers, parents and the general public.” According to the statement, “this legislation should reflect Samoa’s principles of Christian living, cultural practices and modern-day disciplinary measures that are also used by other democratic forms of government, like Samoa, within the Commonwealth and United Nations family of nations.” The closure of Avele College was effective yesterday, Wednesday, May 4, 2016 (Samoa Time) with the duties of the Principal and teachers also suspended until further notice. Earlier this week Avele College and Maluafou College reconciled, after Friday’s brawl, which left members of the public nearby shaken, according to Samoa Observer. The reconciliation took place during a meeting at Maluafou, and the Principal of Avele College, Matafeo Reupena Matafeo, blamed social media for the escalating problem of inter school violence. “The main cause is social media,” said Matafeo. He said they don’t teach these kinds of things in schools because there are no subjects that involve fighting and violence. Samoa Observer reports that in addressing the students, Matafeo reminded them that the government and church wants them to obtain an education so they can help their families. He said that the schools want the students to be able to pass school and allow them to get further education for better futures, not working to carry loads for those Chinese deliveries. He said they are looking at meeting up with the cell phone companies to find a way to put an end to these pages created by students. Maluafou Principal, Lasi Tavae, supported Matafeo. “It’s a sickness and we are trying to find a cure to it,” she said. Avele Head boy, Mervyn Teueli, told Samoa the Observer that there will be no more fights. “This ends today,” he said. Falaniko Milovale of Maluafou College during the ava ceremony apologized to the Director of E.F.K.S education, the school principals, and all the teachers. “Today is the end of this violence, Avele we are one, we are children of God,” said Milovale. As for the violence on Friday, Matafeo said they have left it to the police.
Por
Joyetter Feagaimaalii-Luamanu
– See more at: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/avele-college-closed-after-threats-appear-facebook#sthash.lj45cKLQ.dpuf
– See more at: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/avele-college-closed-after-threats-appear-facebook#sthash.bUoCPJTn.dpuf
Fuente:
http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/avele-college-closed-after-threats-appear-facebook
foto:
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS8YnJSS4GLvwia8FJFdZrBgY0_L8n0NTSDaNdWW8WuP2ITk7A0AB3ABsm0
Samoa: Fighting schools reconcile
Samoa: Fighting schools reconcile
Samoa/ mayo de 2016/Samoa observer
Resumen: Después de una serie de disputas que terminaron en riña el viernes pasado, entre los colegios Avele College y Colegio Maluafou, lo cual, consternó al público en general y que llevaron a la decisión de cerrar las instituciones, esta semana se produjo la reconciliación, que tuvo lugar durante una reunión en Maluafou. Asi mismo Avele principal de la universidad, Matafeo Reupena Matafeo, culpó a los medios de comunicación social para el creciente problema de la violencia inter-escolar
Avele College and Maluafou College yesterday reconciled, after Friday’s brawl which left members of the public nearby shaken and led to the closure of the school yesterday.
The reconciliation took place during a meeting at Maluafou.
Principal of Avele College, Matafeo Reupena Matafeo, blamed social media for the escalating problem of interschool violence. “The main course is social media,” said Matafeo.
He said they don’t teach these kinds of things in schools because there are no subjects that involve fighting and violence.
In addressing the students, Matafeo reminded them that the government and church does not intend for them to fight. Instead, they want them to obtain an education so they can help their families.
“We want to see you make it to N.U.S and pass S.S.L.C but we don’t want to see you carrying loads for those Chinese deliveries,” said Matafeo. He said they are looking at meeting up with the cell phones company to find a way to put an end to these pages created by students.
Maluafou Principal, Lasi Tavae, supported Matafeo. “It’s a sickness and we are trying to find a cure to it,” she said.
Avele Head boy, Mervyn Teueli, told Samoa the Observer that there will be no more fights.
“This ends today,” said Teueli.
Falaniko Milovale of Maluafou College during the ava ceremony apologized to the Director of E.F.K.S education, the school principals, and all the teachers.
“Today is the end of this violence, Avele we are one, we are children of God,” said Milovale.
As for the violence on Friday, Matafeo said they have left it to the police.
Fuente:
http://www.samoaobserver.ws/en/04_05_2016/local/5742/Fighting-schools-reconcile.htm
foto:
http://www.samoaobserver.ws/images/cache/600×400/crop/images%7Ccms-image-000006810.jpg
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