A brief ceremony was held at the American Corner of the Nelson Memorial Library yesterday to celebrate the presentation of new computers, educational and learning materials, furniture and décor, as well as another year of free internet for all students of Samoa.

 “I’m very happy to be able to support the American Corner again this year,” said Charge Tony Greubel.

“Since 2010 this Corner has been a source of brand new books, movies, educational games, computers, programming and even free internet. The large success of the American Corner truly comes from our strong partnership with M.E.S.C. and our local N.G.O’s, who make the American Corner, I believe, one of the best educational hubs in Samoa.”

A total of US$14,000 (T$33,000) from the American Spaces Support Funds was granted to Samoa’s American Corner, which is located on the second floor of the Nelson Memorial Library in Apia.

The grant was provided for by U.S. Embassy Apia in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture in an effort to enhance English literacy, education, and programming here in Samoa.

Part of the grant money will go to three local organizations to assist with educational and cultural programming at the American Corner as means to target the larger Samoan community. 

US$2,000 was granted to the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture to continue great cultural programming for adults, students, and children. 

Another US$2,000.00 was granted to Quenjule Slaven, director of Turn A Life Programme which proactively provides free educational resources, scholarships, and tutoring for street vendor children. 

Finally, US$1,000 was granted to Samoa Gridiron, which provides free two day weekly tutorials for college students, with careful attention towards students in the Samoa Gridiron programme.

This year, the remaining funds focused on branding the American Corner to be an even friendlier learning center by the supply of more technological resources, continued free internet access, increased learning materials and even a minor renovation.

Everything provided in the American Corner would not have been made possible without the support of local businesses in Samoa, the proactive partnership of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports and the American Spaces Support Funds. 

The bilateral partnership between Samoa and the United States is made strong by grassroots partnerships like this whose goal is to provide educational support and investment to the Samoan community through the American Corner.

The ultimate goal is to continue supporting students and learners of Samoa by providing free internet access, educational resources, and academic support through the American Corner.