For the first time in the Bay Area, kids in pre-kindergarten will have the option to spend half of their day learning in Samoan.
The San Francisco Unified School District announced the launch of a new Samoan dual-language classroom which will follow a similar format to immersion programs currently offered in Spanish and Chinese.
The new curriculum aims to support home or ancestral culture and language in the classroom and to preserve the Samoan language and culture in their community.
School board Vice President Faauuga Moliga told KCBS Radio that the program will allow kids with Samoan backgrounds to cultivate culture and build self-esteem.
“During the pandemic, there was a low engagement of Samoan students,” Moliga told KCBS Radio. “The engagement amongst Samoan students and parents have been low pre-pandemic as well.”
Under the new immersion system, students will be taught half the time in English and half in Samoan.
“Language is something that’s being embraced and trying to be brought back into the forefront for all Samoans,” Moliga explained. “Traditionally it’s taught at the churches, and now to have it at public schools is going to be a game changer."
Kids without a personal connection to Samoa are welcome to enroll too. Early Education Department Chief Meenoo Yashar told KCBS Radio that learning a new language and culture is beneficial to everyone.
“Hearing the language, being exposed to that culture, all of that is also preparing the brain to be adaptable, malleable, curious,” Yashar said.
To Samoan families, Moliga said these efforts are for the future of our kids.
Classes start in August and enrollment is open now. Anyone interested in enrolling their kids or receiving more info is asked to call 415-401-2500, ext. 1000. They may also fill out this interest form.
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