A presentation on the rules of grammar had the unlikely effect of capturing the attention of a crowd of primary school and college students gathered for a Literacy Week event on Wednesday morning.

Year Eight student, 13-year–old Heinah Sliva, from Faleula Primary School spoke to the topic of the “position of nouns and verbs in the Samoan language”.

She made use of a "Vee Map", a kind of flow chart that students use to trace the logic behind ideas and which has become a competitive event at the annual Samoa literacy week. 

“When I was standing up on the stage I was very comfortable, and [I was conscious of] speaking against the time because I only had small time to present,” she said.

Heinah Sliva said the maps are of great help to students and are used across the seven subjects they are currently studying in the classroom. 

“I have learned the use of verb and nouns in the Samoa language,” she added.

During her presentation, Heinah ended her presentation with a song: “I am a true Samoan girl.” 

“I came here to give all [that] I [have] got to earn a win for my school,” she added.

Teacher Maqmiraculous Tavita Feso said  they were camping at the school campus throughout the whole week, while they worked on students' presentations.

"J just last night we decided she [Heinah] can do the presentation," she added. 

Mrs. Tavita said she was selected for her proactive skills and presentation ability. 

Heinah progressed through the semi-finals. The final for the Vee Map event is on Friday.