Territory of American Samoa, USA
The Territory of American Samoa, a group of islands in the mid-South Pacific, is located about 2,300 miles from Honolulu. American Samoa has a land area of 76 square miles and approximately 57,794 residents (est. 2006), most of whom live on Tutuila. Since American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the U.S., its people are U.S. nationals who freely enter the U.S. An estimated 65,000 Samoans have migrated to the West Coast and some 20,000 live in Hawai‘i. The territory has an important tuna processing industry, and its capital, Pago Pago, has a great natural harbor with dry dock and port facilities. The local government and the tuna processing industry are the biggest employer.
Culture
The Samoan culture is strong and intact. The Faasamoa (Samoan way of life) is centered on the aiga (family), which consists of the immediate family and extended family members (maternal and paternal) such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. The family name holds special value in the hearts of Samoans and every opportunity is taken to keep that name in good standing within the community. The matai (chief) is the head of the family and has the final say on decisions that are made for the family and their land. Land in American Samoa is communally owned; therefore, it is up to the matai of the family to distribute the land among family members. Community hospitality is ingrained into the Samoan way of life with families commonly inviting guests into their homes.
Language
Samoan is the official language, however, most residents are bilingual and use English and Samoan throughout the island. The Samoan language is similar to the Hawaiian language, both of which are classified under the family of languages known as Polynesian. Useful greetings are provided with English translations and phonetic pronunciations on Language Cards.
Education
By attending religious studies with a minister, education starts at the age of three for a Samoan child. It is at this time that children learn how to read, write, and behave. There is also Early Childhood Education. English is taught in 23 public elementary schools and 6 high schools. All content areas are taught in English with Samoan Language Arts and Culture also included in the curriculum. American Samoa has 29 public schools with an enrollment of over 16,126 students.
PREL Service Center
P.O. Box 375
Pago Pago, AS 96799
Phone: (684) 699-7937
Fax: (684) 699-7936
Email: assc@prel.org
Department of Education
P.O. Box 656
Pago Pago, AS 96799
Phone: (684) 633-7921
Fax: (684) 633-4240
Email: clairep@doe.as
www.doe.as
Institutions of Higher Education
Dr. Claire Poumele, Director of Education
P.O. Box 656
Pago Pago, AS 96799
Phone: (684) 633-7921
Fax: (684) 633-4240
Email: clairep@doe.as
www.ascc.as
Dr. Adele Satele-Galeai, President P. O. Box 2609
Pago Pago, AS 96799
Phone: (684) 699-9155
Fax: (684) 699-6259
Email: asccpres@samoatelco.com
Government
Office of the Governor American Samoa
Airline Service
Contact PREL
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning
Phone:
(808) 441-1300
U.S. Toll-free Phone:
(800) 377-4773
AskPREL
Phone:
(808) 441-1300
U.S. Toll-free Phone:
(800) 377-4773
AskPREL
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