“Samoan culture plays a very prominent role in our local politics, how would you enable the voice of the youth within this system” was among the questions posed to the eight candidates who attended the congressional forum, hosted by the ASCC Student Government Association last week Thursday at the ASCC gym.

The congressional candidates who attended were Aumua Amata, Mapu J. Jamias, Mark Ude, Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman, Rosie Fualaau Tago Lancaster, Togiola Tulafono, Tua’au Kereti Matautia Jr., Tuika Tuika, while incumbent Faleoamavaega Eni Hunkin was absent.

Tuika was first to respond and pointed out that the Samoan culture and tradition is passed on by word of mouth. He said that the treaty signed by our ancestors with US officials holds much more power than the US constitution and also federal laws. He said every American Samoan should protect the treaty signed by out ancestors.

Jamaias said he believes the Samoan culture is very strong and history is passed down through word of mouth, while the denominations and the pastoral schools teach the children the values of life.

“Our culture is very intact, now when we leave American Samoa our culture is strong. However we must learn the western ways, for example reading and writing.” Jamaias said there should be more community centers in the territory for the youth to go and learn more — but not just our culture — also the schools need to teach both Samoan and English.

Tua’au said if is the successful candidate, his first piece of legislation or administrative action would be to afford the local Department of Education funding to continue the dual language program.

He said English should go hand in hand with the Samoan language, “But not English first and Samoan later because in the end we will pay for it, if we don't instill this from early education.”

Chapman said she would organize all the youth similar to ASCC’s SGA and have them debate other student bodies on this particular question. She said the Samoan culture will always play a prominent role in local politics, and a debate would allow students to respond as to why they have a negative or positive view of this issue.

“It’s your future, so it’s up to you to tell me what it is about our culture you don’t like that’s in the politics and once we come together I would be able to summarize it for the people, and then talk it over with the Fono and the governor, because youth is power — that’s the way it is,” she concluded.

Lancaster believes that for American Samoa residents to be involved with the politics they should hold their elected representatives accountable to them. “Make your concerns known, talk to you leaders, you are here at ASCC getting yourself educated, that’s what democracy is all about.  However at the same time, at home your parents are caring and providing for you, and at the same time you have a God given right to talk to your faipule.” She told the students that she will propose for the youth to come together with their lists of priorities and they will debate on those issues.

No child left behind was the education motto in past, but Amata believes that American Samoan students have been left behind. “I really think the delegate could do so much more in terms of bringing more federal funding in …  which is one of my top priorities.”

She said American Samoan students have the lowest test scores in the entire nation, and it’s not their fault, not the parent’s fault, not the teacher’s fault. “What it is is not being able to fully access the opportunities available.”

Ude said knowledge is power and unfortunately everyone here in American Samoa gets only a third of what the people in the US get and that DOE’s sole source of funding for education is from the federal government. “It’s hard to succeed and excel if you’re only getting a third of what your peers are getting in other states,” said Ude.

Togiola told the students not to think that their voices have not been heard, however they need to commit to getting educated and train themselves to be the future leaders of families, churches and in the community. “Believe me, that is your part, our generations are supposed to give you the tools, while you train yourselves and be committed to it and be honest with it.  Don’t just show up at school for the sake of showing up — use the opportunity that is given to you.”

Togiola said under the constitution there are two very strong rights for the youth and those are, “the right to vote at 18 years old and the right to petition.  No one has ever told you not to exercise your right, it’s your passiveness that causing it. Stand up and be heard exercising your rights.”