Conservation International (CI) and the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) co-hosted a comprehensive Training of Teachers (ToT) workshop at the Elisa Hotel Conference Room in Sogi from 22 – 25 April.

The event equipped 35 educators from Sagaga and Anoamaa districts and partners for the next implementation sites for the Guardians Environmental Education Campaign, with innovative tools and strategies to promote environmental stewardship among students and communities.

The workshop focused on familiarising participants with the Guardians Manual, experiential teaching techniques, and practical methods to deliver engaging environmental education programs. Key sessions included interactive modules on multiple learning styles, effective teaching practices, and trial runs of campaign themes such as Trash Star, Coral Champion, Wise Fisher, Tree Guardian, and Samoa Voyager. Participants collaborated to design activity plans, resource materials, and delivery methods tailored to their communities.

A dedicated session on social and environmental safeguards emphasised child protection, prevention of exploitation, and logistical best practices to ensure safety during campaign activities. The workshop concluded with certificate presentations, recognising participants’ commitment to advancing environmental education.

“This workshop was very valuable and important, and I appreciate the generous resources invested in us as educators to be able to support the Guardians Environmental Education modules”,  said Maria Fonofili from Sauano Primary School.

“I am very grateful to the organisers for the past four days for all the informative sessions and knowledge shared, which have greatly expanded our understanding for the benefit of teaching our children.”

The training and campaign ahead is made possible through foundational funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manaaki Programme, with additional support from the Blackmore Foundation, Waitt Foundation and the Blue Nature Alliance.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and the Samoa Voyaging Society (SVS) were also able to support the facilitation of the programme modules and strengthen their impact. Conservation International and the Ministry of Education and Culture extend their deepest gratitude to these partners for their commitment to environmental education and sustainable development in Samoa.

“We’re deeply grateful to our partners and donors for their continued support of the Guardians Programme,” said Le’ausalilo Leilani Duffy-Iosefa, Director of Conservation International.

“Our goal is to ensure the programme leaves a lasting impact on Samoa’s children by helping protect their environmental and cultural heritage for generations to come”

The Guardians Campaign, now in its fifth year, continues to engage schools and communities in hands-on conservation efforts, building a generation of environmental Guardians, enhancing Samoa’s Ocean Strategy.