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News and Events (2004)
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The Ulimasao Marist Centre Family
The
Ulimasao Marist Centre has proven to be the best available learning environment
for many. Our uncommon methods and hands on courses make it
the only school of its kind in Samoa. The Samoan, English and Math
courses being complemented by courses in Art and Craft, Tourism and
Hospitality, Computing, Music,
Agriculture, Religion and Spirituality, Accounting, Dance, Welding,
Woodworking, Engineering, Tailoring, and Cooking make UMC a very special
place to learn. The normal Samoan grading system based on Government
tests and ranking students from first to last are replaced by assessments
comparing the student to themselves; giving them marks based on their own
efforts and improvements. The diverse staff at UMC brings people
from all over the world together, combining different cultures and ideas
into a distinct new way of teaching. The school welcomes all young
people, including people with disabilities. We have exchanged the normal
means of Samoan school discipline, that of Corporal Punishment, with family
discussions, class retreats, and lunchtime vocabulary exercises. We
are changing the way to operate a Samoan school and the students, in turn,
are changing the way they see themselves.
The students belong to one of three learning groups.
Youth (ages 14-18)
Approximately sixty students enroll in this program designed for students who are looking for an alternative to a Samoan Government School. Some of these students have not attended school for many years, some still don't know how to read. We provide them with basic life skills and aim toward lifting the morale of these at risk teenagers. Click here to see pictures of our students, both youth and second chance.
Second Chance (over 18)
The only adult education program in the country resides with our second chance program. These students (approximately 90) are young adults that have had a break from school, for various reasons, but wish to return for a "Second Chance" at education. Many wish to use their skills gained at Marist Centre for employment, and many have been successful. Click here for some success stories of our Second Chance students.
Part Time Students
People from the local community are attending evening courses in computing. This helps raise funds for the school and provide adults from rural villages with training they could not otherwise receive. Programs are in the works for all sorts of community courses, ranging from English to Art, Agriculture to Woodworking.
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For any questions or comments about the Marist Centre for Special Learning or MaristSamoa.org write us at fmspalauli@lesamoa.net