Students in Samoa warned: “Stop the violence and focus on studies”

Apia, SAMOA — The Catholic Education Director, Father Mikaele Tuimavave, has appealed to students to stop the violence and focus on their studies.

His appeal comes on the back of a recent brawl in Apia between students from the Saint Joseph’s College and Church College Pesega.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Father Mikaele said he is happy to hear that the two colleges in Apia have reconciled, but there should be zero tolerance of violence amongst students.

“I am very happy that both schools have reconciled and are looking at ways of working together to end any misunderstanding."

“We only want peace between schools and putting first the safety of each student – with that being said we have a zero tolerance of violence within our schools, and if any student is involved in school brawls, they will be automatically kicked out of school,” he said. 

A lot of the violence between students appear to be the result of inter-school sporting tournaments, which Father Mikaele said is a concern.