Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that, at the request of Teacher Salote Aoelua-Fanene, he hosted two conference calls this past Tuesday and Thursday with U.S. Government students from Faga’itua High School. 

The conference calls culminated three months of an online discussion forum that Mrs. Aoelua-Fanene created after returning from her trip to Washington, D.C. with the Close Up program.  During the program, she observed firsthand the exchanges between the students and the Congressman as well as when they sat in as guests during a Congressional hearing chaired by Faleomavaega.  The experience inspired her to start an online forum in which students could engage in debate on several issues affecting their school, villages, and American Samoa as a whole.  Using the press releases from the Congressman’s office, articles published in Samoa News, as well as questions posted by their teacher and peers, the students – 40 seniors in total – exchanged their daily comments and questions on topics as wide-ranging as political status, the bill of rights, criminal law, the American Samoa Constitution, and more.

With Faleomavaega and his staff in Washington, D.C. connected by telephone, Tuesday’s discussion with the first group of 20 seniors began with a hymn and prayer led by senior Timothy Johnson.  The students then presented their questions to the Congressman, including current issues such as FEMA relief and minimum wage, election or selection of senators in the Fono, immigration, as well as questions related to their college and career goals.  
 
Like the first group, Thursday’s class of 20 seniors presented several questions concerning American Samoa’s Constitution, such as qualifications for elected officials.  Several students also offered their views and questions regarding American Samoa’s future political status. 

Both conference calls ended with the singing of the Faga’itua school anthem – Le Fetu Taiala, and Congressman Faleomavaega expressed his gratitude to the students, teachers, and administrators for coordinating two very successful discussions.

“It gives me great joy to see this type of engagement among our youth.  I thank all of the participating students for their sincere interest in some of the most challenging cultural, political, economic, and social issues facing our people.  I also commend them for their courage to voice their opinions and concerns with their teachers, peers, and also with me,” the Congressman stated. 

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to their teacher, Mrs. Salote Aoelua-Fanene, whose resourcefulness and initiative made the online discussion forums and conference calls a unique educational experience not only for me and the students, but also for the greater Faga’itua High School community and my staff in both American Samoa and Washington, D.C.  I also thank Principal Samasoni Asaeli and Vice Principal Suaese “Pooch” Ta’ase for encouraging innovation among their teachers and for their help in securing the logistics of the call.”

“Lastly I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of our teachers and educators in American Samoa in their efforts to give our students a world-class education.  The online discussion forum and conference calls are great examples of democracy and creative curriculum in action, and I look forward to seeing more of these exchanges between our leaders and youth in the future,” Faleomavaega concluded.

List of Participating Students

Salvation Anoai	Fuasami Mulipola
Naomi Anoai	Faafetai Pania
Vailoa Fesili	Eleele Peni
Tiana Fesuluai	Maggie Penitusi
Ashley Fraser	Leano Pese
Alisi Gaoa	Sisuli Puletasi
Doris Godinet	Helen Pulou
Chester Hagerdorn	Filoi Sealii
Ashley Hisatake	Fautanu Sene
Timothy Johnson	Olive Simanu
Anastacia Kalio	Puakalani Sione
Lotomau Latu	Peau Siufanua
Mose Lausauga	Tuutiva Tafaovale
Manumalo Leatigaga	Julia Taulaga
Shah Hong Lin	Silaulelei Toomalatai
Farrah Malaki	Arona Tuiafono
Joseph Manamea	Ithran Turituri
Elton Masui	Jasper Vaoalii
Deborah Misiaita	Rachel Vasai
Camilla Moetala	Betty Wells