Young students with Samoan ancestry have been presented the opportunity to learn more about Samoa’s culture as part of their Samoan language classes in New Zealand, and for some of this is their first trip to Samoa.

This is the first time for 17-year-old Christina Sigivao from Papatoetoe High School to visit Samoa. Her parents are and she was very excited to be presented the opportunity. She said she was enjoying her time on the island so far.

“It’s a good experience seeing my homeland for the first time and I didn’t expect it to be on a school trip. I was actually hoping to come with my mum for the first time,” she said.

“I am enjoying the heat because it’s cold where I’m from and it’s nice and warm. The food is so good too.”

Christina added that although her Samoan is not too good, she understands the culture and with this visit she will be able to understand more about her homeland.

It is through their Samoan language classes that they were able to come to Samoa. Her class is thankful for the teacher Mr. Timo Morisa who is the head teacher of the Samoan language class at her school.

“This is the first time for a few of our students, with some having been here before but awhile back and some of them having recently visited some aren’t Samoan at all so this is a really good learning for all of them” said Mr. Morisa.

“I want to thank the students, the principal and board for supporting this whole project.” 

18-year-old Boaza Tangi who is of Tongan and Cook Island ancestry is enjoying his maiden trip. He is enthusiastic about learning the Samoan culture.

“I love it. This is a real humbling experience to see how people live in the islands. We learnt how to weave baskets, crack coconuts and I felt like a real islander,” said Boaza.

He said took up the Samoan language classes because there weren’t any Tongan and Cook Island language classes and this was as close as he got to learning about the island's culture.

“When I started learning the language I became more interested and it did help that most of my friends were Samoan,” he said.

“Whenever they speak Samoan I don’t know what they’re saying but now I can understand.

“This experience you see is very different from the New Zealand lifestyle and learning the duties of a Samoan Alii and Tamaitais role. It is a great experience.” 

The schools visits according to the organiser Mr. Morisa will be every two years and will provide a valuable learning experience for all of his students at Papatoetoe High School.