School of Language’s founding students graduate

By Sarafina Sanerivi 22 December 2015, 12:00AM

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”

This was the message conveyed by Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, to the first graduates of the Samoa School of Language yesterday.

The special graduation started with a small service led by Reverend Taumafai Komiti, who reminded everyone of how useful it is to speak and understand different languages. 

The Prime Minister addressed the audience and congratulated the tutors and graduates for this year’s hard work. He believed it was not easy, since the school only started up in February this year.

He was grateful for all the effort put in throughout 2015, which paid off yesterday.  Chinese language has been the sole focus this year.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the support of the three Chinese tutors who offered their time to teach the students.

“The school was blessed with the support of three Chinese volunteers, Yanhong Huang, Lu Chen and Xiaoli Wang, and I want to extend to you the gratitude of our government and our people for your support and kindness.”

He congratulated the students and urged them to continue on and never give up. 

The students were divided into three classes, under the supervision of the three tutors. They were all presented with certificates of achievement. 

Among the graduates was Rev. Opapo Oeti, who thanked the government of Samoa for the initiative, which provided them with the opportunity to learn another language. 

Rev. Oeti spoke on behalf of his fellow graduates, saying they wanted to learn more at the Samoa School of Language. 

He urged the government and the Ministry of Education to continue on with their work supporting the school, and called for more languages to be made available to study. 

The Chinese Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, was joined by Members of Parliament, staff of the M.E.S.C, as well as families and friends of the graduates in celebrating the special occasion. 

The graduates also provided entertainment for the audience, singing and dancing to Chinese songs.

By Sarafina Sanerivi 22 December 2015, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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