(Photos: TVNZ)

(Photos: EPC)

SAMOA: Tariff surcharge adjustment due to fuel price variations
Source: EPC Press Release
 
Since the tariff surcharge adjustment on 1 February 2008, fuel prices have increased by 14%. During this time the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) has absorbed this continuing increase in the cost of fuel by overstretching its financial resources. These rising costs, due to overseas factors beyond our control, have now made it absolutely necessary for the Corporation to adjust its electricity tariff rates to ensure that the supply of electricity to our customers is always made readily available.

The Electric Power Corporation wishes to inform the public and all its electricity users (Readable and Prepayment users), that an additional 3.46% will be added to the current 22.3% fuel surcharge, resulting in a total fuel surcharge of 25.76%. This surcharge will be applied to all electricity meters read from 01 June 2008, and includes consumption in the prior months.

The above tariff rates will also be applied from 01 June 2008 on all vouchers purchased by consumers using Prepayment meters.

Photo Caption: EPC General Manager, Mua'ausa Joseph Walter. EPC Workers attending a workshop on meter reading; EPC Meter Reader Matthew taking readings.
 

(Photos: James Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC/GEAR-UP to Host Summer Algebra and Fitness Mini-Camp
Source: ASCC Press Release
 
Beginning on Monday, June 9th, the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will host the Summer Algebra and Fitness Mini Camp for GEAR-UP students, a partnership venture by GEAR-UP American Samoa (GUAS), the TA’ITA’ITAMA Prevent Underage Drinking Initiative, and the American Samoa National Olympic Committee (ASNOC). GEAR-UP Director Tupua Roy Fua said
that the three participating partner organizations will hold three one-week mini camps, from June 9th to the 27th, in order to accommodate as many students as possible from the GEAR UP Cohort DOE and private schools with the Fitness and the Algebra Mini Camp sessions taking place
separately.

The ASNOC Fitness Mini Camp, which takes place from June 9th to the 27th, will offer a total of 30 contact hours of sports training to 200 students per five-day session. ASNOC will host a team of coaches from the Oceania Olympic Foundation to conduct a “train the trainer” certificate program for participating island coaches as they conduct their assessment and training with GEAR-UP students. The first two sessions, which take place for six hours daily, will serve GEAR-UP students, while students from outside the program may take part in the third week session. “The Fitness Camp will provide physical assessment for students who have demonstrated the skills and physical ability to excel in sports,” explained Tupua.

“The assessment tests and sports activities will help to make the student better prepared for a variety of sports, such as table tennis, track and field, volleyball, basketball, and other activities on the ASNOC program.”

GUAS cohort math teachers have selected the Algebra Mini Camp participants, based on highest math skills to advanced algebra knowledge. All participants submitted a Consent Form Letter from their parents and received the approval of their school GUAS coordinator. The Algebra Mini
Camp will take place in the GUAS Office and will host 25 students in the morning and another 25 in the afternoon for the duration of the five-day mini-camp.

The second and third mini-camp sessions will follow the same format. “We plan to use assistive technology to work with students who’ve demonstrated a readiness to advance to Algebra 1,” Tupua said. “In addition to working on their algebra skills, they will also receive some instruction on basic computer skills and learning software.”

At the start of all three Algebra and Fitness Mini-Camps, the Chairperson of TA’ITA’ITAMA, the First Lady Mrs. Maryanne Tulafono will make a presentation on important life building skills in an effort to prevent alcohol abuse and violent behavior. “We are very grateful to inter-weave
the content from TA’ITA’ITAMA into the mini-camps,” explained Tupua.

“They will have a chance to work with all participating students in either the Fitness or Algebra Mini Camp sessions. With most of the students in their early teens, we feel that they should have exposure to the issues TA’ITA’ITAMA seeks to make them aware of.”

GEAR-UP, headquartered on the ASCC campus, extended the invitation to students in all of its cohort schools to attend the Mini Camps, and Tupua says the response has indicated a very strong interest. “Between A’ITA’ITAMA, ASNOC and GEAR-UP, I feel we’ve put together a fun program for the students”.

The GEAR-UP cohort schools in American Samoa which participate in the GEAR-UP program include: Matafao Elementary School, South Pacific International Christian Center, Manulele Tausala Elementary School, Tafuna Elementary School, Kanana Fou Elementary School, Iakina
Academy, Lupelele Elementary School, Pavaiai Elementary School, Siliaga Elementary School, Leone Midkiff Elementary School, St. Theresa Elementary School, Alataua Elementary School, and Taputapu Elementary School.

Photo Caption: GEAR-UP Director Tupua Roy Fua (front, center) is seen here with members of his faculty and staff. GEAR-UP, ASNOC and TA'ITA'ITAMA will team up to offer a series of Mini Camps beginning next week on the ASCC campus.
 

(Photos: Marc Peretic Wilson)