Mobile Library Program – Ambassador Novelly reading to students of Matautu Falelatai Primary School with Peace Corps Volunteer. Photo: Supplied
Matautu Falelatai Primary School has become the first school in Samoa to participate in a new mobile library programme launched by the United States Embassy and Peace Corps Samoa.
United States Ambassador Jared Novelly visited the school on Wednesday to officially launch the American Corner Mobile Library Programme, which will provide students with English-language books that they can borrow and read.
The school received the programme’s first collection of books, with plans for the initiative to expand to other schools around Samoa.
The mobile library is a partnership between the US Embassy’s American Corner and Peace Corps Samoa. Peace Corps volunteers working in local communities will help deliver books and learning opportunities to participating schools.
During the launch, Ambassador Novelly met Principal Salape Ioane, teachers, students and Peace Corps representatives.
United States Ambassador Jared Novelly, Peace Corps representatives and Matautu Falelatai Primary School Principal Salape Ioane present books during the launch of the American Corner Mobile Library Programme. Photo: Supplied
Students welcomed the delegation with a traditional song before taking part in a shared reading activity. Ambassador Novelly read a story in English while a Peace Corps volunteer read the Samoan version.
“Reading opens doors to new ideas, new friendships, and new opportunities,” Ambassador Novelly said.
“As the first school to receive this travelling library, you are helping begin a programme that we hope will inspire a lifelong love of reading among students across Samoa.”
Following the book presentation, students demonstrated how to prepare koko esi, a traditional Samoan breakfast made with koko Samoa and papaya. They also took the delegation on a tour of the school and its library.
The US Embassy said the programme was intended to support education and literacy while strengthening connections between the United States and Samoa.
The article is based on a statement issued by the United States Embassy in Samoa.
