The Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) is seeking external advice on overhauling the Samoan Language Commission with a new national framework. 

An invitation for expressions of interest with the subject heading “to develop a National Framework for Samoan Language Commission” was made public on the M.E.S.C. website on 30 June 2021.

The Samoan Language Commission Act was passed into law by the Parliament in 2014 with the aim of preserving and promoting the language. The commission is chaired by Reverend Vaiao Alailima Eteuati.

The Act was passed in response to students’ declining marks in Samoan language subjects at school with a view to preserving the language’s unique status. 

It had a budget of just over $170,000, according to Ministry of Finance documents. The commission has 10 functions, the Ministry says. 

These include initiating, developing, coordinating, reviewing and providing advice on policies, procedures, measures and practices designed to support Samoan as the country’s official language. The Commission also advises Parliament.

“Generally [its intent is] to promote the Samoan language, and in particular, its use as a living language and as an ordinary means of communication,” M.E.S.C. explains.

“[It has the task of developing] a strategic plan and a corporate plan for the commission; [monitoring] and [advising] the implementation of its policies and corporate plan and [considering] and [reporting] to the Minister upon any matter relating to the Samoan language that the Minister may refer to the Commission for its advice.”

The commission also advises the Government and the Parliament on Samoan language matters, messages that are conveyed through the M.E.S.C. Minister. The commission also carries out consultation on the development of its policies and decisions relating to the Samoan Language.

The Commission also monitors development or changes in the Samoan Language, and provides interpretation and translation services and carries out other functions vested in itr through the Act. 

The advertisement is signed by M.E.S.C. Chief Executive Officer Afamasaga Dr. Karoline Afamasaga-Fuata’i.

Attempts made on Friday by the Samoa Observer to reach Afamasaga, were not successful.

It is the second time that the commission has tried to solicit advice from interested parties. 

Another short term consulting contract for contributing ideas to a new framework for the commission was first advertised in March.