The Ministry of Education Sports and Culture has concluded its Samoa Schools Innovation for Literacy, Numeracy and Science programme with a prize-giving ceremony at the E.F.K.S. Tupulaga Hall on Friday.

Students from numerous primary schools and colleges gathered to receive their awards in the various categories as well as the activities of the programme.

Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, delivered the keynote address and emphasised the importance of the program and as well as acknowledged the efforts by the students and encouraged them to keep striving for the best. 

Manono Tai Primary School won prizes from three different categories with the school’s Year 5 teacher Salua Vaiaso saying they are proud of their students' achievements. 

"It was the V-Map Category for Year 7, the problem-solving category where we had one representative and we won first place and we also won first place for the numeracy rap," he said.

Mr Vaiaso also emphasised the importance of the programme as it helps develop reading skill in both the Samoan and English languages, as there are some students who still struggle to read in senior classes.

"I’ve noticed some kids, even when they get up to higher classes like year 8, they’d still struggle with reading in English and also Samoan reading,”  Mr Vaiaso said.

“I know we’re all familiar with our language but I understand that the kids do struggle with aspects of the Samoan grammar.

"It also helps students develop their mathematical skills. I understand that some students don’t favour Mathematics but it is through programmes like these that we try and develop innovations as a more simple approach for the students." 

Mr Vaiaso added that some students are slow learners in the classroom, but the programme’s activities has enabled them to pick up much faster. 

"I’ve also seen that some students find learning through discussions in the classroom a bit challenging for them to comprehend but then out in the open through these programs, where they can present their findings that they’re able to quickly learn and they learn effectively from another environment different from a classroom," he added.

Ms Uatifoti Tagotau from Sagone Primary School in Savai’i also proudly showed her students' achievements, whereby four students from their school won prizes to continue their annual success. 

Seven students from Sagone Primary School participated in the programme this year, unfortunately Ms Tagotau said it was difficult to bring everyone as they had no transportation.

She said the program was a challenge to them as teachers because the students portray what they're being taught and the standard they are at.

"We did our very best with our preparations because we wanted to ensure that the students have the confidence to stand in front of an audience and during their presentation," she added

She also acknowledged the Ministry for this year's programme as well as the support of their village in Savaii, the parents and the school. 

The M.E.S.C. congratulated all the winners, students, teachers, principals as well as school inspectors and everyone who participated in this year's competition.