Prizes were awarded Friday for a project to perpetuate the Samoan language and create publications written in Samoan.
Funded by the Administration for Native Americans, the project titled, “E Iloa oe i lau Gagana,” (Your language is your identity) was administered by the American Samoa Community College Samoan Studies Institute headed by Aiono Okenaisa Fauolo.
Six church youth groups researches and competed in writing stories about legends, creative writing, poetry and art.
Falefata Moli Lemana of SSI said the research by the youth groups focused on legends and stories about Tutuila, Aunu’u and Manu’a, as there is not as much material available on them compared to those that originate from Samoa.
The winning entries and honorable mentions were published in three books that were launched on Friday.
Legends
- Mataafa Laulu Sakalia Laulu-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Aunuu
- Ainuu Feleti-Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in America (EFKSA,) Taputimu
- Rev Koloseta Leuta,-Methodist Church, Futiga
Creative Writing
- Maria Taotofi,-Fatuoaiga Catholic Youth
- Moeitai Tipa-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Aunuu
- Kanani Tausaga-Methodist Church, Futiga
Poetry
- Mataafa Sakalia Laulu-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Aunuu
- Kolly Ioapo-Fatuoaiga Catholic Youth
- Mariota Tuiuli,-EFKSA, Taputimu
Art
- Teuila Love-Fatuoaiga Catholic Youth
- Fiaalii Segifili-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Aunuu
- Alapasi Ueli-Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, Nuuuli
