Chief Executive begins journey

By Sarafina Sanerivi 11 February 2016, 12:00AM

The new Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, Dr. Karoline Afamasaga-Fuata’i, was welcomed during an ava ceremony on Tuesday.

Held at the Samoan Fale at the M.E.S.C headquarters in Malifa, the ceremony signalled the beginning of Dr. Fuata’i’s tenure, taking over from Matafeo Dan Aiafi. The new C.E.O was among several government C.E.Os who took their oaths last week. At the ava ceremony, the caretaker Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Magele Mauiliu Magele, was present.

Also present at the ceremony were the twelve A.C.E.Os of the Ministry and all the employees at M.E.S.C.

Magele congratulated Dr. Fuata’i and encouraged her as she begins her journey to lead the Ministry. He reminded that the new position comes with a lot of challenges. 

“But with God all things are possible,” he said. “Remember that at the Ministry of Education, we prioritise our children, and so whatever decision we make, we need to put the students first and do what’s best for them.”

Turning to the staff, Magele reminded that “teamwork” leads to success.

“We all have different roles to play, but if we all work hard as a team, we can help make a difference.”

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Dr. Fuatai said she felt “welcomed and supported.” “I am grateful for the support they’ve shown me today,” she said. Asked how she felt about the new position, she said she was “excited and also looking forward to the challenges which come along with this new position.”

“I am also keen to implement some of the strategies that I’ve been researching about on how to improve achievements in schools,” she said. Dr. Karoline Afamasaga-Fuata’i is a founding Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education at the National University of Samoa. 

She graduated with a Bachelor Degree, GCOE from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. She is also a graduate from Cornell University in America with a Masters and PhD in Science and Mathematics.

By Sarafina Sanerivi 11 February 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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