For Falefitu Primary School, the week has been about promoting Samoan culture and language so that it is instilled in the children and lives on. The school hopes that this will also get students to understand the right practices, which have been distorted by social media.

Taialii Lemana Maota, the principal of Falefitu Primary School, said the week was important because it honours and celebrates the importance of Samoan culture.

"We are not only focusing on language but also highlighting other aspects of our customs and traditions, such as food and games. And it’s been two years now since our school implemented this week-long program to commemorate these areas." 

On the first day, ceremonial activities were held to let male students wear ulafala and ulapu’a, and sei for the girls. On the second day, it was Puletasi and Iefaitaga, and on Wednesday, there will be a focus on honouring children through Samoan food. 

There are no practical activities; these must be prepared at home in advance, such as suafa’i, supoesi, vaisalo, and kokoesi, so that they are ready to eat at the time when the school opens their fasting at 11 am.

“On Thursday, items related to Samoan handicrafts (fatuga) will be highlighted, along with performances of songs, skits, and storytelling conducted in classrooms with teachers. On Friday, Samoan traditional games will be held, such as igave’a, kulikulii, and tagati’a cricket. Our school participated in competitions organised by the Ministry of Education," said the principal.

“This program has been very successful over the years because social media has had a strong influence on many children, sometimes leading them to focus on things that distract from our traditions. Programs like this help ensure that children continue to learn and practice cultural customs so that the importance of our culture won’t become extinct that easily.”