Mr. Sanele Leota, Samoan Studies Lecturer
Sanele Leota who hails from the villages of Gautavai and Lalovaea is the newest staff member to join the Centre for Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa. Mr. Leota stated that the reason he applied for the position of Samoan Studies Lecturer is because the National University of Samoa is considered the highest level of education in Samoa. “It is an institution where all college students in Samoa strive to be educated at,” he said. Mr. Leota previously worked as a teacher at Avele College from 2017-2020 before joining CSS. He taught Gagana Samoa and Computing there. Prior to that he worked part time at Bluesky for five years from 2012 to 2017. When asked why he chose to teach the Samoan Language he said, “Our Samoan language brings forth blessings, it contains life and it encompasses a message which one can think profoundly about, it is also sacred and shapes our behaviour. Our Samoan language is also an important part of my identity and heritage.” Mr. Leota added that he enjoys working at CSS because of the working environment. “It is a great opportunity for me to learn and communicate with colleagues who have skills and expertise in the Samoan Language and Culture. It is also an avenue to have better understanding on research and teaching,” he said. Mr. Leota said he chose to be an educator as he likes teaching. “I value this profession as it teaches the importance of the Samoan language and culture,” he said. Mr. Leota holds a Bachelor of Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Samoan Studies from the National University of Samoa.
