The Quick-Rip and Get into Rugby programmes are now in the Safata region. 

The Samoa Observer met up with Salamumu Primary school during their session with the Samoa Rugby Development team at their school campus on Friday.

The Salamumu Primary School Principal, Mr. Tamalemai Afele Fereti is excited to host the program in his school, as it can create other pathways to success for students in the future.

"This programme is very good for the students themselves especially for the kids here in our area," he said.

"To be honest, not all the students here in our area can compete on the educational level, but most of the students are talented in sports.

"But I am thankful for this program by the Samoa Rugby Development, especially since this is a non-contact form of rugby for kids. I'm thankful that they now have the chance to come here to rural areas, and we are grateful that they have reached out to us. 

"If I look at our national teams, most of the players are picked in the Apia region, and clubs in town."

He believes that not all students can excel academically, so it is their job as educators to see where the student's strength is at. He says that is why they are very happy to have the Samoa Rugby Development team at their school and in their district. 

"There are many students like [in] my school, [who] are very weak in school, so that's why we are encouraging them to take sports so that they can have another path for their future," he said. 

"Even though they are still young, but looking at the programme, now they are starting at this level, if they continue to play like that, then they will make it big one day.

"Looking at the two weeks that they have come here and done their program, I have seen a lot of improvements. 

"Last week, their team was mainly teaching them the rules and principles, but today they are now running the ball. Most of them now understand the rules and can now perform the game."

The programme also educates children with living healthy lifestyle modules such as hydration, balanced diets, sugar content, portion size and others. All module cards have been translated into Samoan for easy reference in everyday routines. 

The Principal says he is happy to see the children making an effort every day during the programme. 

"There are some who are slow learners, even in school they are like that. But they are improving. We (teachers) are trying to find time to learn about the sport so that when the program is done, the teachers are able to teach them especially for the tournament ahead."

"For my school, we are short on numbers. There are a small number of students to select a team from, for year 7 and year 8 boys for my school, it doesn't reach 10 students. So it's actually the boys from year 6 that make the number," he added.

Mr Tamalemai is relieved on how the programme is being delivered by the rugby development representatives, and he hopes that their mission will be a success. 

Salamumu only has 84 students, from year 1 to year 8, with only four teachers. Teachers have two classes to teach.

As well as Salamumu, other primary schools in the Safata district are participating in the Development programme including Lotofaga, Saanapu, Mulivai, Sataoa, Vaiee, Tafitoala, and Fusi.