Govt. prioritises literacy, numeracy and science

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 18 September 2018, 12:00AM

Literacy, numeracy and science are the essentials for survival.

This is the theme for this year’s Samoa Schools Innovation in Literacy, Numeracy and Science programme.

Held at the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, the two-day programme includes the International Day of Light, which schools carried out in May this year and the best science projects to reflect innovative thinking and application of students’ everyday experiences.

Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio said everyone has a part to play when it comes to creating a brighter future for the children and the only way to do this is through education.

“The theme for this year’s programme relays an important message for not just the young children but also the parents and leaders of our community,” he told the gathering.

“Every young person needs to be innovative in literacy, numeracy and science. If they are not innovative in the way they think and do things, they will be left behind while other children of the Pacific and the world blend well with the new changes occurring in our world today.”

Loau said literacy and science are two of the Government’s top priorities.

“I believe this is work that involves all of us, parents, teachers, pastors, village matais and everyone,” he said.

“We have heard the Government’s advice and many complaints of the shortage of teachers, doctors and engineers.

“The teachers and the community are not working together to solve this problem and they are not prioritising this issue so that our children can become wise.”

Loau said some parents are not prioritising their children’s education. 

“Some parents they just send their children to school, but they don’t make any contribution to their child’s education,” said Loau.

“They rely on the teacher to teach their children, but what if the teacher is not doing what he or she is supposed to do? Will you still leave your child to fail?

“Most of the parents they don’t show up in events such as these to have a look at their children’s work.

“There are parents who are not in the Parents and Teachers Association; they are not involved in any of their children’s education programmes.

“But when their children’s results come out and it’s not good, then they start complaining and blaming the teacher. Our children are the future and we as parents and everyone must invest in their education.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 18 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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