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2 months ago | 
islandsbusiness.com | Alakihihifo Vailala
A review of investments supporting Pacific education priorities has resulted in a major reduction in funding. Information obtained by PMN News through an Official Information Act (OIA) request reveals that funding for the Ministry of Education’s Pacific Bilingual Language programmes has been cut from $2.6 million (US$1.46 million) in 2023-2024 to $1.2 million (US$677,000) in 2024-2025, representing a 54% decrease.
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Aug 17, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny |Uale Tofilau
Talofa Samoa and welcome back to your weekly Physiotherapy column! Today's column is about the trapezius muscle and comes to you from Pro Health Clinic in the UK; enjoy!Trapezius pain is often characterised by acute pain and stiffness in the upper trapezius muscle, which makes the movement extremely difficult.
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Aug 17, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny |Uale Tofilau
“It is essential that justice be done, and it is equally vital that justice not be confused with revenge, for the two are wholly different”: Seneca. Seneca, or Lucius Annaeus Seneca, was a renowned Roman philosopher, statesman and playwright, widely known now for his Stoic philosophy. Stoicism teaches the development of self-control as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason (logos).
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Aug 17, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny
My name is Uale Omar Tofilau, and I lost my dad when I was just 17. It was a week that still echoes in my heart—a week where Sunday marked Father's Day. A day that was supposed to be filled with love and celebration turned into one of the most challenging moments of my life. My dad was more than just a father to me; he was my role model, my guide, and the person I aspired to be like in every step I took.
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Aug 15, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny
People with disabilities face severe difficulties in issues around sexual and reproductive health. Lanieta Tuimabu was speaking at the 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women which focussed on climate change, gender-based violence and the health of women and girls in the region. Their access to clinics, information and assistance continues to be a challenge because of specific barriers for groups of people living with impairments.
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Aug 14, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Kishti Sen |Tom Kenny
Over 70 invasive species professionals and practitioners from across the Pacific region have converged in Rarotonga as part of the Pacific Invasive Learning Network (PILN) sixth meeting hosted by the Government of Cook Islands 12-16 August.
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Aug 12, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) are holding consultations with local groups, and public and private sectors this week to explore tailored financial solutions to help communities better prepare for natural hazards, reduce loss of lives and damage to crops, livestock and other assets.
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Aug 12, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Galumalemana Steven Percival |Shalveen Chand
Everyone has dreams. These dreams are often the first step toward achieving something significant in life. They give us direction, purpose, and a sense of motivation to keep moving forward, even when the road gets tough. But dreams alone aren't enough. They need to be paired with clear goals and a plan to turn them into reality. Along the way, there will be obstacles, but each challenge offers an opportunity to learn and grow. Growing up, I always had big dreams.
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Aug 11, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer |Galumalemana Steven Percival
It wasn’t roasted breadfruit; it was roasted ripe bananas and pe’epe’e (coconut juice). On fact checking last week’s ‘TAKE’, I found that the decision for the next step in the development of education was marked by a meal of roasted ripe bananas, pe’epe’e (coconut juice) and other goods; not roasted breadfruit, as I had it last week. With independence certain, there was a desperate need for Samoans to take over positions then held by overseas officers.
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Aug 10, 2024 | 
samoaobserver.ws | Alakihihifo Vailala |Safia Archer |Galumalemana Steven Percival
In a world where unexpected disasters and conflicts can arise at any moment, the importance of first aid cannot be overstated. The Samoa Red Cross Societies have been at the forefront of this crucial training, offering seminars that equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in emergencies. First aid training is more than just a series of lessons; it's an investment in our community's safety and resilience.
