Introduction to Sāmoan Identity, Language & Culture (Level 1)
Introduction to Gagana Samoa Identity, Language & Culture (Level 1)
Eligibility: This course is ideally suited to learners who have no previous or very little knowledge of Gagana Samoa
Course Outline
Over 20 hours, learners will cover the following content:
Lesson 1: Welcome & course administration / introduction to Alphabet and correct pronunciation
Lesson 2: Common Greetings - introducing your self
Lesson 3: Me and my family - who are you?
Lesson 4: Geography - where are you from?
Lesson 5: Using numbers/counting in every-day life
Lesson 6: Days of the week, months of the year
Lesson 7: Special events and seasons
Lesson 8: Food and food customs
Lesson 9: Body Parts - describing myself
Lesson 10: Class presentation - using key information from each of the previous lessons you will present a short talanoa based on sentences you've learnt from Lessons 1-9

Everyday Conversation in Gagana Sāmoa for Aotearoa NZ (Level 1)
Everyday Conversation in Gagana Samoa (Level 1)
Course Outline
Eligibility: This course is ideally suited to learners who have some working knowledge of gagana Samoa, or who have completed our Introduction level course and are confident with pronunciation, reading and writing in Samoan and who are ready to take the next step to gain confidence in everyday language
Over 20 hours, learners will cover the following content:
Lesson 1: Informal and Formal Greetings - communicate sentences for everyday conversation
Lesson 2: Family roles, including honorary terms/names of family titles
Lesson 3: Family, land and Surroundings
Lesson 4 Samoan Core Values, PRINCIPLES and Cultural Norms
Lesson 6 Gift Giving in Kūki ‘Āirani Life Events
Lesson 7 ASKING FOR DIRECTIONS AND PLACES
Lesson 8 SEASONS OF Kūki ‘Āirani
Lesson 9 Consolidate learning to give an opinion
Lesson 10 Learner presentation

Maintaining Gagana Sāmoan language & culture (Level 2)
Maintaining Gagana Samoan language & culture (Level 2)
Course Outline
Eligibility: TBC
Over 20 hours, learners will cover the following content:
Lesson 1: TBC
Lesson 2: TBC
Lesson 3: TBC
Lesson 4 TBC
Lesson 6 TBC
Lesson 7 TBC
Lesson 8 TBC
Lesson 9 TBC
Lesson 10 TBC

Samoan Fa’amatai Bilingual Training (Level 4)
Samoan Fa’amatai Bilingual Training (Level 4)
Course Outline
Eligibility: Open entry, but ideal for those who are keen to understand the Fa’amatai system and have a good grasp of gagana Sāmoa.
There are three levels offered:
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Introduction - taught mostly in English & introducing the basics of fa'amatai
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Intermediate - taught in English and Sāmoan and gets a bit more indepth into the fa'amatai including an introduction to the history of Sāmoa
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Advanced - taught mostly in Sāmoan and ideal for those who already have experience in the fa'amatai but need a bit more understanding and confidence to operate effectively in Sāmoan cultural settings.
This course is designed for people who are New Zealand born and raised, have become matai and would like to know more about understanding and participating in extended family occasions that require a working knowledge of gagana fa’amatai. The aim is to enrich Sāmoan matai, both male and female, who are raised in Aotearoa with Sāmoan values, protocols and practices. The programme also contributes to the building of confidence and upholding certain obligations through service to their communities here in Aotearoa and back in the homeland of Sāmoa.
Students will be able to unpack key topics through:
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Oratory skills and cultural practices
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Leadership skills
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Communicate life events. Use terminology used in family situations and understand the importance of cultural behaviour/habits and taboos
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Use new information to discuss cultural protocols with family and friends
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Presentation for student presentations
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Developing their knowledge and increasing their acquisition of Gagana Sāmoa
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Enhancing their leadership skills through applying knowledge of Sāmoan values and principles to everyday living contexts
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Participating with confidence in Sāmoan ceremonies and traditional cultural practices
Learners will be able to present themselves in accordance with their status in the community and apply specific skills appropriate to community cultural events.

Samoan Fa'amatai Oratory (level 4)
Samoan Fa’amatai Oratory (Level 4)
Course Outline
Eligibility: Open, but must be a fluent Samoan language speaker and ideally already bestowed a matai title and already operating in the fa'amatai system – the class is taught in the Samoan language. It is appropriate for both ali'i and tulafale title holders.
The Fa'amatai Samoan Oratory course will benefit adult learners who are current or aspire to hold Samoan leadership titles. It aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding and the ability to participate using appropriate Gagana Samoa for ceremonies and celebrations in traditional Samoan and Aoteraoa contexts. The course is designed for the advanced learner and is delivered fully in the Samoan language. It aims to provide a holistic Samoan world-view that encompasses the individual, community and its surroundings using Samoan language, customs and culture based on Fa’asamoa.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the 10 weeks, learners will be able to:
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Develop their knowledge of fa’asamoa.
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Construct and present a variety of Samoan speeches for different occasions.
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Gain skills and knowledge through participating in ceremonial gagana Samoa concepts based on the fa’asamoa, eg: matai, aiga, feagaiga, va fealoa’i, etc.
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Enhance their leadership skills through applying knowledge of Samoan values and principles to everyday living contexts.
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Participate with confidence in Samoan ceremonies and traditional cultural practices i.e. si’i, aiava, acknowledging gifts, etc.