Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — This past Veteran’s Day, two teachers had the opportunity to take five students (ten total) on a boat trip around the island of Tutuila. Mary Cheung-Fuk and Claire Bacus Dewees were two of twenty local educators who had the opportunity to participate in the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program, hosted by Fatoata over the summer. They received supplies for hands-on activities.

Fatoata is a local non-profit organization that advances education and science in American Samoa by reconnecting people to nature, culture, and the arts. Through protection, conservation, and education outreach, Fatoata reaches students and teachers alike, reviving Samoan traditional practices and promoting a holistic, healthy lifestyle in an outdoor environment. We are grateful to our educator partners who dream big for their students and support them on their journey of ocean and land stewardship.

Lesson plans and online resources to make ocean acidification education more accessible for their students.

The students saw dolphins, got to swim in the ocean, caught fish, and circled the island of Tutuila with Captain Nathan Sagapolutele and crew, Junior Suani on Amana, and Captain Brian Peck on Tava’e Ula. The boat trip was a lot of fun, but it was also an opportunity for the students to reflect on what they had already learned in school so far about the ocean.

Atonio M. shared that he had learned a lot, especially about how the amount of carbon dioxide produced by companies hinders both the effects of our ozone layer and the pH levels of our ocean. This, in turn, has led to serious global issues such as global warming. This has an impact on wildlife, especially fish, that 3 billion people rely on for food.

Ida D. was amazed by the beauty of the North Shore of Tutuila Island. When asked what she had learned, she said, “ I found a possible career pathway after seeing the beautiful dolphins and the north shore of the island preserved away from human interaction.

Judith F-I shared that “attending the boat ride around the island has given me the opportunity to reflect and appreciate more on what our island has to offer. It has allowed me to express deeper gratitude for the things I once took for granted and strive to enhance the beauties of our island with a deeper level of understanding of how we can do so much for it in our communities and resources.”

Educator Claire Marisse A. Bacus-DeWees is from the village of Nu'uuli and has been a teacher for DOE since 2006. She has taught at Manu’a High School, Nu’uuli Voc Tech, and currently teaches at Tafuna High School science courses. She is passionate about learning and teaching, with big dreams for a science exploratorium in American Samoa.

Her biggest takeaway from the boat trip was giving students the chance to explore and be one with nature. When they see what they are trying to protect, they care deeper. Claire encourages other educators to keep learning, as we can only teach what we know. Continue to be your students' champion for a meaningful educational journey.

Ms. Mary Cheung-Fuk is a passionate English educator from the villages of Leone and Ili’Ili. An alumna of Tafuna High School, she empowers the next generation of leaders at the Home of the Mighty Warriors. Beyond the classroom, she actively serves as the advisor for the Interact Club and Finafinau Club at THS, fostering leadership and community engagement among her students. Mary’s love for learning is infectious and is a reflection of the appreciation for education her mother instilled in her. In her spare time, she adores her mischievous ginger cat Mufasa, loves dancing at Zumba (when her will-power persists), and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

As our island continues to watch the tides of our ocean change, it is important to support and invest in the next generation. We must equip them with the education and knowledge needed to undo the things that are being done to our planet today that they will be responsible for repairing as they come of age.