Samoan Youth Empowerment Initiative

My name is Matthew Redman & I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Samoa. I taught English Literacy in the small village of Sauano. The PCV before me had created a program to bring former students of the village to America for a 1 month study abroad tour. I had the pleasure of getting to know those three boys who completed the program and can say without hesitation they are acceptional students & community members. When I returned to the US I decided to get in touch with the Samoan community in Tacoma, WA and put together an English Immersion program for two of my former students. The boys will par-take in multiple ESL classes with various community groups, participate in local activities with Samoan Americans, experience American culture, & shadow a veterinarian for two days. Further details may be found on the attached proposal.
empowersamoayouth.blogspot.com

The two boys I have selected are Filipo Tauamo & Lafoga Kirisimasi. Both boys demonstrated exceptional behavior & progress in their English while I was their teacher at the Sauano & Saletele Primary School. They will be 14 & 13 upon the time of the program.