'Beautiful memories of Samoa'

By Vatapuia Maiava 15 July 2016, 12:00AM

It’s a rare sight to see Chanel Colleges from two different countries combine.

But that’s precisely what happened in Samoa yesterday when Chanel College New Zealand visited Chanel College Moamoa for a cultural exchange.

Friendships were made as the students mingled. The visitors were even treated to a lesson on how to make the umu.

Principal of Chanel College Samoa, Father Brian Sigere, said this is one of the best ways to learn culture.

 “This is actually an annual event but this is the first time we have had Chanel College from Auckland visit. We have had other colleges coming over the last couple of years.

“This has been going on for a while where we just exchange culture items and ideas.”

According to Father Brian, this exchange is a great opportunity for one to find greater appreciation of one’s own culture.

 “When you are able to see other cultures then it makes you value your own culture more. On the other hand, once you are caught up in your own culture then you will take it for granted and lose appreciation.

“You see someone else come in you will notice the kids do the Samoan dances with more enthusiasm and energy because they are showcasing it.

“The same may go for visiting group as they present their own items because they will always do it with so much pride.”

For Chanel New Zealand’s Principal, Grant Miles, the trip has been a great experience.

 “This will help us be better informed back in New Zealand as teachers because we have a significant population of Samoans at our school so it’s import to understand the context that our students grow up in,” he said.

The team has already seen a lot of Samoa and they will surely be taking home many fond memories.

“We have had a lovely time,” Mr. Miles said. “We’ve actually been all over the place; we have visited the markets in town, we went to the To Sua Trench, we have been on a trip around the southern part of the island.

 “Samoa is beautiful with wonderful people, it is a special place to be and I am looking forward to coming back.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 15 July 2016, 12:00AM
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