Enabling National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) students to participate in cultural activities as part of their internal assessment also gives them a sense of appreciation of Samoa's cultural values.

That is the view of the N.U.S. Centre for Samoan Studies' Senior Lecturer, Alofipo Siligamanaia Horisona Lofipo, who said the internal assessment has enabled him to see his students’ skills and performance. 

He said the students performed Samoan dances and songs as well as participated in the traditional making of 'mea’ai Samoa' (Samoan food).

“This is the last internal assessment for my dear students. It may say sound old-school but it is teaching them. The best way to teach them is to let them do all the work physically," Alofipo said. “I am surprised and I say that I am impressed with their skills and that they even prepared everything themselves without a teacher involved. 

"In this class, I have students who are even in their 40s or 50s. The best part of all these performances is to remind them of our traditional values that even making 'umu' is valued and a pride.”

As part of the course, Alofipo said the students from different age groups were mixed with the older ones teaching the younger ones traditional values.

"As part of our curriculum, this is the last internal assessment that will make up the full 100 per cent,” he said.

Eletise Tautiaga,19, from Vailoa Faleata said that the course's cultural program and as part of the Samoan Culture Day is to give back to the new generation what had been lost. 

“This day will teach some of our generations that are still living in a ‘palagi’ world. Most of the Samoans nowadays grow up without knowing or ever being involved in food making, Samoan dances, and songs. 

“The significance of the program is to teach each and every one of us the values and skills that are included in the Samoan way. Apart from the skills and knowledge, the language importance to be valued by every Samoan is a must.”

Reupen Fareni, 20, from the village of Faatoia said the Samoan language has changed and continues to evolve as he hears people speak and talk every day. 

“I do not know why our language has changed but I honestly think that now is the time to stop making fun changing the language. Samoan Language is sacred, if we ruin it, our next generation might get lost."

Ali’imalemanu Niu Sila, 47, from Satitoa Palauli and Moamoa said he is proud and is even taking the Samoan language course, even for someone his age. 

He works at the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration and is one of the old students in the group.

“It saddens me to see the young children changing our Samoan language. The C.S.S. in the N.U.S. is making its best move to bring back the values and old language of Samoa to be at its originated form," Ali’imalemanu said.

"I am old and with children and they are quite young to let me know that they are taught in the wrong Samoan language. For instance, some Samoan words are verbs, but I do not know who made them become nouns."

The program of the NUS academic course started early in the morning at around 6 am. They started with making Samoan food such as 'kokoesi, vaisalo, fa’ausi' as well as environment fresh fruits. The breakfast was followed by the preparation of the 'umu'.

Following the umu cooking they started dressing up and getting ready for their pese and Siva Samoa (Samoan Dances and Songs).