More than 2000 students from schools across Samoa showed real enthusiasm during competitions for this week's literacy week with students from Savai'i sweeping many of the finals. 

The week-long programme facilitated by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) put students to the test across a variety of fields exercising their critical reasoning and language skills.  

Most of the Colleges and Primary Schools involved were from Savaii, who also won the most spots in the finals.

In the first category of education for sustainable environment, Sa'asa'ai Primary School took first place while Alofi o Taoa College won first place for the college division.

The week saw students engaged in a variety of activities structured around the theme for this year's programme : "Life".

The events they took on were: impromptu speech, debate, spelling bee, quiz, the creation of "Vee Diagrams", maths, poetry, and science projects amongst others. 

Other results for the events included: 

The Science Project: First place for the primary division went to Apia Primary School while Avele College won the senior contest.

The environment competition was taken out by Aleisa Primary School for the primary division and Faleata College in the college division.

Primary schools' essay writing was won by Faamanu Leilua from Palauli Primary School; for science the top prize was taken by Caroline Lafoa'i from Apia Primary, and for numeracy it was Arielnaumati Lene from Apia Primary also.

The secondary essay writing contest for literacy was won by Tu'iala Moimoi from Palauli i Sisifo College; the prize for science was won by Mercy Faimata of Alofi o Taoa College and numeracy was awarded to Malelega Fa'aulufalega of Avele College.

Faith Tipama'a from Vaitele Primary School won the impromptu speech for the primary division while Sulia Wallwork of Samoa College took first place for the college division.

The primary division of the spelling bee was awarded to Apia Primary School, Samatau Primary for science and Vaivase Primary School for numeracy. College spelling bee for literacy was awarded to Asau College, numeracy was taken by Lepa and Lotofaga College and Science spelling bee to Sagaga College.

Vaisala Primary and Aana 1 College took first placings in Music while Gerald Malua of Apia Primary and Lolekika Taluai of Lepa and Lotofaga College take first places for Mental strategies competition.

For Drama, Faleasiu Primary School and Palauli College won first places. 

The Primary School Vee Diagram competition saw Faleula Primary School, Apia Primary and Salelologa Primary taking first place in literacy, science and numeracy. Meanwhile, Mataa'evave College, Avele College and Leififi College took first places in the College division.

Apia Primary and Sagaga Primary School took top awards in the debates. Sera from Leulumoega Primary School took first place for Math poetry.

Sagaga College from Afeaga walked away with a big win of 79 to 67 over Amoa college from Savaii for debating. One debate between two colleges on the topic of “violence against women” drew an emotional response from the crowd.

Winners for financial literacy in both Primary and College divisions were awarded to Sagaga College, Leififi College, Lepea Primary School and Mulifanua Primary School.

The Itu-O- Tane College Vice Principal said he is happy that the students made to the finals and said he was shocked when they found out all the college from Savaii took place in the finals.

Apia Primary and Faleata College walked away with first place in problem solving competitions while Salelesi Primary School and Asau College took first place in Quiz activities.

The Ministry's initiative aims to increase awareness and roll out targeted efforts in Samoa for Literacy, Numeracy and Science in real life situations, and provide a platform to highlight and showcase student-centred projects in literacy, numeracy and science.  

The week aims to raise awareness of key national and international issues, bring students, teachers, principals and parents together to work towards a collective goal, and provide an opportunity for students to express their views on chosen topics, showcase their talents and learn different skills.