The second volume of the Samoan comic series called “O le aiga Samoa” has been released.

The series is the product of Nafanua Communication and Culture, which released the first part under the title “Usita’i.”

Founder of Nafanua Communication and Culture, Nafanuatele Lafitiga Mafaufau, explained that as the comic series is based on a Samoan family, they have planned to focus on each member of the family in telling the different stories.

She explained that this month the story focuses on the daughter, Sarona, and "usita'i" and stated that although the story may be a simple everyday situation, it holds a number of lessons, especially for young people.

“These lessons are, being disciplined in striving to achieve well in education, the challenges of bullying/ intimidation and peer pressure. Also, there is the lesson of obedience and love," she said. 

"We all know what it's like to be confronted with a difficult decision where you have to choose to obey your parents or not.

“In this story, the situation may seem simple but for many young people today, making the right decision or choosing to be disciplined is not always easy or simple.

“There are many challenges that young people face today but if they remember the basic values of usita'i and alofa then these will help them to overcome such challenges.”

According to her, it has been more than a month since the first comic of  "O le aiga Samoa" series was released and she explained that the feedback has been overwhelming and all of it has been positive.

“People (mainly Samoans) from all over the world have commented their appreciation of the comic. They have enjoyed reading the comic in Samoan but also being able to share the lessons of fa'aaloalo that are reflected in the story,” she said.

She further stated that people of other cultures “have also commented on how they have either enjoyed reading the English version and understanding aspects of fa'asamoa that they weren't aware of.”

When asked if students who are learning Samoan have learned a valuable lesson such as “fa’aaloalo” from the comic series she said, "we have used the first comic in a number of different learning environments. The students learning Samoan language definitely benefit through the instructions and explanations of common Samoan customs of fa'aaloalo and tali malo."

“We know that certain workplaces have also used the comic for their professional development. With a multicultural country like Aotearoa, New Zealand, learning about each other's customs and language is beneficial for understanding and appreciating each other's differences," she said.

She explained that the Samoan language is the 3rd most spoken language in New Zealand and the 2nd most spoken language in Auckland.

“That is significant and so these resources not only support language learning but also affirm the value of Samoan language in countries outside of Samoa, especially here in New Zealand,” she said.

According to her, next month's comic will look at the relationship of the children and their grandparents.