The 2024 theme for Samoa Language Week was 'Tautua i le alofa, manuia le lumana’i – Serve in love for a blessed future.'

What does the phrase ‘Tautua i le alofa’ mean? The concept of tautua focuses on the phrase – “Serve in love”. No matter what service looks like or who is doing it, service is accomplished through the power of love.

This year’s theme aimed to express the significance of service that is founded on love. Tautua can only be achieved through consistent development. Similarly, the maintenance of language is also achieved through service - through our values of love, respect, and especially in the vā fealoa’i (respectful relationships) that protect Samoan people.

Throughout Week 5 there were a number of events and resources shared across our āoga, including a Ula lole workshop held in our Quad, Gagana Sāmoa Ta'aloga on our football field and a Umu prepared and shared on the back field throughout the Thursday. Umu is a traditional Sāmoan cooking practice where hot rocks are used to cook food. Students and staff were welcomed to watch and share in the process throughout the day. Check out the wonderful video of this awesome event.