Over its twenty-four year history, the American Samoa Internship Program has seen 18 interns. The term for each intern is one year – typically, from January to January. One-year terms give interns the benefit of experiencing one full half of a legislative session of the U.S. Congress.
The intern program traditionally rotates annually between male and female interns. Prior to 2004, the American Samoa Legislature was responsible for selecting the individual who would serve the program. Since January 2004, the Governor is responsible for selecting the individual after screening a competitive pool of applications.
Applicants should be prepared to provide the following documentation:
- Letter of intent to participate in the program, identifying the role that this program will play in the applicant's career;
- Three letters of recommendation;
- Current resume;
- Verification of graduation from an accredited four year institution of higher learning;
- Official Transcripts; and
- Writing Sample
The deadline for all applications is 4:00 pm December 22, 2008. All applications and required documents are to be turned in to the Governor's Office no later than the due date. Only completed applications will be considered. Please submit all applications in an envelope clearly labeled "Senator Inouye Internship."
Points of contact may also be reached at:
Toetasi Fue Tuiteleleapaga: Toetasi@americansamoa.gov or 633-4116
Lupe Aumavae-Tauanu'u: Laumavae@americansamoa.gov or 633-5155
Jacinta Galea'i: jacinta@americansamoa.gov or 633-4116
Source: Tapuitea (Official American Samoa Government Weekly Newsletter, Vol. III, No. 46, November 21, 2008)
Governor vetoes Samoan language bill
Governor Togiola Tulafono has vetoed a Fono bill that would have required instruction in local schools to be conducted in both Samoan and English.According to the Governor, imposing such a requirement would not be conducive to learning.
Togiola said through an October 30 letter to the Fono leadership that while he’s a strong proponent of the preservation and teaching of the Samoan language, he’s of the opinion that the bill will be an obstacle to learning rather than an aid.
He said approving the bill would mean that teachers in local schools would have to put in twice as much time to teach a class because they would have to translate in Samoan everything that was already taught in English.
The Governor expressed concern that since many public school teachers are not of Samoan descent, it would be impossible for them to comply with the requirements of this bill. In addition, existing textbooks and material used in schools have to be translated to Samoan in order to comply with the proposed law. Currently, DOE public school teachers are using the Samoan language in classrooms, especially the lower levels, to ensure that students fully understand all subject matter. Togiola told Fono leaders that the Samoan language is designated a place in public schools, and that is, to assistin situations where English becomes inadequate.
“I believe such an arrangement is working well in preparing our students for higher education and employment,” the Governor wrote, adding that he appreciates the spirit behind the bill, which is to use our native tongue to assist in learning and perhaps even increase the exposure of our younger generations to the Samoan language.
Togiola said he also has to look at the impracticability of such a mandate and the added burden that it will pose on educators.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Governor Togiola travels to Ta'u today for new dispensary dedication and Manu'a Islands Cession Day
(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono travels to Ta'u, Manu'a this morning to dedicate the new Ta'u Dispensary and to take part in the 104th anniversary of the signing of the Manu'a Islands Deed of Cession.
In his Manu'a Island Cession Day message, Governor Togiola said: "On this 104th anniversary of Manu'a Islands Cession Day, we commemorate that day –July 14, 1904– at Fale'ula, Ta'u, when Tuimanu'a and his chiefs, "being content and satisfied with the justice, fairness, and wisdom" of the government of the United States of America, were "desirous of placing the Islands of Manu'a under the full and complete sovereignty of the United States of America" to enable the Manu'a Islands, with Tutuila and Aunu'u, to become a part of the Territory of the USA.
As we celebrate Manu'a Islands Cession Day, and call to mind its purpose of granting protection to the people of the Manu'a Islands, we reflect on the Manu'a Deed of Cession, which was certified on July 16, 1904, and its intention "that there shall be no discrimination in the suffrages and political privileges between the residents of the Manu'a Islands and citizens of the United States dwelling therein," and also that "the rights of the Chiefs in each village and of all people concerning their property according to their customs shall be recognized."
In celebration of the union of the Manu'a Islands with Tutuila and Aunu'u as the Territory of American Samoa, I offer best wishes to all of American Samoa for a happy and safe Manu'a Islands Cession Day, a public holiday in the Territory on Wednesday, July 16, 2008.
"May God bless American Samoa. May God bless America. Ia manuia le Sisiga Fu'a 104 a le Manu'a Tele."
Governor Togiola will depart for Fitiuta at 11am today. The Ta'u Dispensary dedication is slated for 12 noon, while the church service for Manu'a Islands Cession Day will begin at 5pm. The flag raising ceremony will begin tomorrow at 8am, Wednesday, July 16th.
Governor Togiola will return to Tutuila on Wednesday at 3pm.
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