The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, met with representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday in Apia. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry, Dr. Karoline Afamasaga-Fuata’i, was also present.

Richard Hunter, director of public affairs in the Pacific Area; and Sapele Faalogo, national director of public affairs in Samoa, represented the Church at the meeting.

Topics discussed included the values and standards that are most helpful to teach to children and youth as they prepare for life’s choices, challenges and opportunities.

Minister Loau emphasized the need for young people to learn how to be honest in all aspects of their lives.

Dr. Afamasaga-Fuata’i said that respect was a key value that helped young people learn how to engage appropriately with others.

Mr. Hunter and Mr. Fa’alogo shared with Minister Loau and Dr. Afamasaga-Fuata’i copies of the Latter-day Saint resource for teenagers, “For the Strength of Youth.” 

The group discussed the possibility of a similar version of this values-based booklet being made available to youth from other churches.

“This was a wonderful meeting with two education leaders who are dedicated to helping the children and youth of this great nation to succeed in life,” Hunter said.