According to DOE director, summer PEC conference will boost local economy by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent Department of Education director Dr. Claire Poumele is confident that the upcoming Pacific Education Conference (PEC) set for July 14-17 in American Samoa will be a success and will pour additional revenue into a local economy already struggling with the high cost of living. Co-sponsored by DOE, the American Samoa Community Center and the Honolulu-based Pacific Resources of Education and Learning (PREL), the conference is expected to attract over 400 educators from off-island, and will be held at the Tafuna High School campus. Local participation is expected to be more than 500 educators. Poumele said American Samoa is very fortunate to be again hosting this great event because of its "importance to the further development of education in the region as well as American Samoa" but also as an economic benefit for the territory. It's been more than three years since American Samoa hosted the last PEC. Poumele said in past years, the host would usually provide three meals a day for the entire conference, but this year DOE will only be paying for four meals for the entire conference, while the rest of the meals will be out of the delegates' pockets. "We have a committee set up to work on the conference and have set up a food court within the Tafuna campus. We invite our many local vendors to come to food court and sell your food items, said Poumele. "It's not only the delegates that will buy from the food court but also our own local delegation. So we see this as another way to put money into the private sector and the economy." As for accommodations, Poumele said the DOE has booked 100 hotel rooms for all off-island delegates. However, the group from Chuuk state of the Federated States of Micronesia will be housed at Fatuoaiga. "Fatuoaiga has graciously supported this important conference and has provided the rooms," said Poumele, who is thankful to Bishop Quinn Weitzel for the tremendous support of DOE and the conference. "What's even better for American Samoa is that several of the off-island participants will remain in the territory after the conference to attend the 10th Pacific Arts Festival and continue to contribute to our economy," said Poumele. The PEC 2008 theme is "The Pacific Child: A Legacy of Community, Culture and Art" and according to DOE officials, students from local elementary and high schools will provide entertainment throughout the conference. Students will showcase their skills and talents as they will provide a variety of performances through skits, plays and songs. Reach the reporter at fili@samoanews.com © Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.