In an attempt to boost English literacy, 12 new United States Peace Corps English Literacy trainees arrived in Samoa to begin their two-year work program with the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC).  

On Friday, MEC held an ava ceremony at the MEC fale to welcome the new arrivals.  

Peace Corps English Literacy Volunteers will work in partnership with MEC to boost English language learning in Samoan schools.  The new volunteers will spend two years living and working in Samoan villages serving as English Resource Teachers in government primary schools.   

Peace Corps Country Director Gini Wilderson said, “I am pleased to welcome our newest English Literacy Trainees who will build on the work of their predecessors to improve primary school students’ English literacy rates, enhance school libraries, and build the capacity of Samoan co-teachers.”

For many Peace Corps Volunteers, the chance to serve in Samoa is a welcome opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives.  

As one volunteer said, “As an educator, I believe that literacy is the key to the world.  My primary aspiration is to get my students excited about reading and writing.”  

Another added, “I realise how important education is in the hopes of accomplishing dreams and goals in life.”  

Other volunteers are eager to learn about Samoa and build lasting bonds within their communities.

“I hope to become as much a part of my community as possible, attending church, spending time with my host family and students, forming bonds with the people around me, coupling respect with friendship, and hopefully one day earning my place as a community member myself,” articulated one.

US Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Tarapacki said, “To our partners in the Ministry of Education and Culture, and to the communities across Samoa:  Thank you for welcoming our volunteers.  I look forward to seeing the positive impact of Group 95 in local communities and also seeing how the values and traditions of Samoa will complement the American expertise that our Peace Corps Volunteers bring, creating success stories in this beautiful nation.”

The 95th group of volunteers will spend their first 11 weeks in Samoa in a Pre-Service Training Program, which will include learning the Samoan language and culture along with technical training.  The first week of training will take place in Apia and will be followed by 10 weeks of living with host families in a village setting.  After training concludes, Group 95 volunteers will live and work in Samoan schools for two years, from September 2025 to 2027.

The relationship between the Government of Samoa and the Peace Corps spans nearly 60 years.  Since 1967, more than 2000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Samoa, providing small-scale technical assistance and building cross-cultural ties.