Schools around the country have kicked off with their celebration of the Samoa Schools Innovation for Literacy, Numeracy and Science [SSILNS] with activities comprising the display of book characters, speeches and problem solving.

The Government’s declaration of the state of emergency [S.O.E.] has led to muted celebrations at the cluster level, in line with the directives of the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture [M.E.S.C.], but this has not stopped schools and colleges with their students from celebrating to mark the occasion.

Schools such as Vailima Primary School, Magiagi Primary School, Vaivase Primary School, Tanugamanono Primary School, Apia Primary School, Leififi College, Samoa College and Avele College gathered at the Samoa College Hall for the SSILNS programme on Thursday, which were interlaced with activities such as book character, impromptu speeches, problem solving, concept map, vee map, mental strategies and science projects.

The programme encourages students and schools to be innovative and use creativity within each of the categories, in order to bring out the theme “lagaga” with the M.E.S.C also encouraging students to reflect on the current issues in our country and around the world in relation to their daily lives.

The National competition is based on four categories which are to design a logo for the SSILNS competition, writing competition, Letter to the editor and SSILNS environment.

School inspectors and school principals of each district organised activities for the students which will be rolled out between 18-30 October.

According to a M.E.S.C media release, the whole purpose of decentralising this year's programme is to encourage teachers, students and school communities to strengthen partnerships and ownership of these events.

The SSILNS initiative aims to increase awareness and targeted efforts in Samoa for literacy, numeracy and science in real life situations, providing a platform to highlight and showcase student-centred projects in literacy, numeracy and science.

The SSILNS also aims to bring students, teachers, principals and parents together to work towards a collective goal and provide an opportunity for students to express their views on chosen topics, showcase their talents and learn a different skill.

The SSILNS will continue next week for the remaining schools in Upolu and Savai'i.