“Just do it. This is about you.”

“Gagana Samoa is pretty much embedded into my life. I am a proud Samoan.

I chose MIT because it is in the Heart of South Auckland, but also closer for me to attend, and the times suited my schedule. A bonus that it is fees free.

If it is your dream to continue learning your language, then I guarantee you will love this course. Do something for yourself, I took this for me and it supports and assists me in being a legit Gagana Samoa teacher.

Since the first lockdown happened, I started getting involved in learning how to folafola mea’ai (chant for food), simple greetings (fa’afeiloa’iga) and sula toga (chants of appreciation for fine mats). This drew me closer to my parents in wanting to learn the culture. The decision to take this awesome course was from my sister. She thought it would be awesome to take this together and I couldn’t say no.

I teach Gagana Samoa to Level 1 students. It is important for me to upskill, to be fluent, to make the most of the opportunities we have to learn, that no matter where I am in life and how many roles I have, language (Gagana) is important and we are learners for life. I don’t know everything so being able to relearn, and to be reminded of Samoan protocols, the Samoan history etc. I am able to hold on to this new knowledge and share this with my students.

I love the environment and the staff at MIT. I remember the warm and comfortable environment, the relationships we build with our peers, the awesome lectures and the opportunity to share what we learned with one another. I loved that our lecturer was resourceful and adapted to our needs and learning. We had online classes that were suitable for us.?The resources that were given to me, I have asked if I can use it in my classes.

Just do it. This is about you. Value yourself and your time to learn.”

Sharlene Malaeimi
MIT graduate