“Every story begins with a mother’s love.”
The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is pleased to support the Samoana Animations project, a cultural resilience initiative in Samoa. Developed in partnership with Pacific Kids Learning (PKL), this is designed to digitise traditional village stories while preserving the rich oral storytelling traditions that connect Samoan mothers and daughters to their heritage.
For generations, Samoan storytellers have passed down language, culture, and ancestral wisdom through fāgogo—oral storytelling that conveys moral lessons and historical narratives. Samoana Animations seeks to sustain this tradition by incorporating modern animation technology to make these stories more accessible to younger generations.
The project benefits from the expertise of Papali’itele Momoe Malietoa von Reiche, a renowned author, artist, and cultural advocate from Sapapali’i and Fa’ato’ialemanu, and her daughter, Afamasaga Seiuli Salamāsina von Reiche, a podcaster, radio host, and wellness advocate with roots in Fasito’otai, Malie, and Lufilufi.
Additionally, the initiative is strengthened by Taimaaiono Agnes Saili-Kerslake, a serial entrepreneur and technology advocate, alongside her daughter, Maria-Kolotita Siufaga Kerslake, an emerging artist who will illustrate her mother’s stories digitally—enhancing their visual and cultural impact.
At its core, Samoana Animations is more than a digital storytelling platform—it is an intergenerational bridge that ensures Samoan language, culture, and identity thrive in the digital era. The project aligns with COL’s commitment to supporting educational technology and lifelong learning, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS).
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