Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) in collaboration with the Australian Pasifika Educators Network (APEN) hosted the inaugural Education-Cultural Exchange in Samoa last week.

The Australian Pasifika Educators Network (APEN) is a national volunteer-led, non-profit organisation comprising teachers, school executives, university academics, professional staff, community educators, and advocates deeply committed to advancing the educational experiences, opportunities, and positive outcomes for Pasifika learners and communities.

At the core of APEN's mission lies a dedication to empowering Pasifika educators, learners, and communities to thrive within Australian society. Through engaging talanoa, consultation, and targeted research, APEN seeks to understand the educational journeys of Australian Pasifika individuals, facilitating connections, support, and cultural strengthening initiatives.

With a vision to champion systemic education reform and celebrate the distinct cultures and values of Pacific peoples, APEN's collaborative efforts extend beyond Australia, actively promoting cross-cultural educational exchanges and partnerships that enrich both the Pacific region and Australia's educational landscapes.

Western Sydney University’s Pasifika Achievement to Higher Education (PATHE) program looks to empower Pacific communities to aspire to further education and training with options to develop and gain new skills and knowledge. PATHE aims to give Pasifika people greater opportunities across life. With a focus on student support, outreach activities and innovative projects, PATHE strives to encourage primary school (Year 5 and 6), high school (Year 7 to 12) and current Western Sydney University students to recognise the potential within.

The Education-Cultural Exchange, spearheaded by Samoa Tourism Authority, aimed to forge deeper connections between the Samoan people, their rich cultural heritage, and Australian educational institutions, experts and practitioners.

Educators from Australia were invited to participate in the transformative event, which seeked to facilitate educational and community engagements, offering participants a profound understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of Samoa and its people within the academic sphere.

As part of the exchange program, participants engaged in a variety of enriching activities:

Promoting Cultural Understanding: Through visits to significant cultural sites such as the STA Village and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, participants will gain valuable insights into Samoan history, traditions, and arts.

Educational Engagement: Pilot the Sister School Program by visiting local schools in Upolu and Savai’i, as well as educational institutions like the National University of Samoa and vocational training centres. This will foster exchanges of pedagogical practices and discussions on academic subjects.

Cultural Immersion and Community Engagement: Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local community's daily life, learn about environmental sustainability practices, and possibly participate in cultural ceremonies or workshops.

Tourism and Awareness: By integrating educational activities with cultural tourism, the program aims to increase awareness and appreciation of Samoa's unique cultural identity and natural landscapes, promoting sustainable tourism practices and economic benefits for local communities.