For dual-enrolled Te Kura ākonga Falevalu Siatu'u, winning the Year 13 category at the National Samoan Speech Competition was an opportunity to celebrate her language, culture and identity on a national stage.
The 17-year-old, who studies through both Fairfield College and Te Kura, took out first place in the F.A.G.A.S.A National Samoan Speech competition after delivering a speech in Gagana Samoa that reflected her deep connection to her heritage.
Her winning speech explored the traditional Samoan proverb, "E afua mai mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u", meaning "From the mountains come the blessings of the village."
Through the speech, Falevalu reflected on the important role leaders play in supporting and uplifting their communities.
"The mountains refer to people like chiefs, teachers and the government, who should take good care of residents and other people within that society," she explains.
Drawing on examples of village pastors, community leaders and government representatives, Falevalu highlighted how strong leadership can guide, support and protect communities, helping people and villages to thrive.
Mentor Sia Batcheler with dual-enrolled ākonga Falevalu Siatu'u
Selected by her Te Kura kaiako, Sia Batcheler, Falevalu says she was proud to have the opportunity to share a message that was meaningful to her and her culture.
"My teacher saw potential in me, and I also take great pride in my culture," she says.
Born and raised in Samoa, Falevalu grew up immersed in Gagana Samoa, with the language forming a natural part of everyday life. Surrounded by family, culture and community, she developed a strong appreciation for the language and the values it carries.
While she felt some nerves before stepping onto the stage, Falevalu says she also felt supported throughout the experience.
"I was feeling a little nervous, but I was also comfortable because my teacher was there to support me."
The annual competition is organised by FAGASA (Fa'alapotopotoga mo le Aoaoina o le Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa), the national association for Samoan language educators. For more than two decades, FAGASA has worked to strengthen the teaching and learning of Gagana Samoa and support young people to maintain strong connections to their language, culture and identity.
For Falevalu, the competition was about more than winning a title. It was an opportunity to celebrate Gagana Samoa and encourage others to embrace their language and culture.
"Celebrating Samoan Language Week means reinforcing the idea that your language is valuable. If you don't speak that language, you lose your culture," she says.
Falevalu points to the Samoan proverb, "A leai se gagana e po le nu'u", meaning "If there is no language, there is no village."
"It's important to promote Gagana Samoa because it reminds Samoans who can't speak the language to learn it and be proud of it."
Through her national success, Falevalu is helping champion the language and culture she holds dear. Her achievement reflects not only her dedication and talent, but also the importance of ensuring Gagana Samoa continues to be spoken, celebrated and passed on to future generations.