‘O Agafa’avae o Sāmoa’ is designed as a teaching and learning guide for students of Sāmoan advanced courses at the university level. It is a credible resource for all individuals who embrace learning, living, and loving the rich and vibrant language and culture of Sāmoa. The content originates from his doctoral research which won the most outstanding award in the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and published in the International Journal of Education Reform in 1997.

The book captures the essence of the core cultural values which serve as the fundamental foundations that describe and provide practical and experiential examples of how the Sāmoans live their lives. It is important to continue to value, uphold, and preserve our fundamental cultural underpinnings that provide us wisdom and strength, and poised as a guidance to help navigate through the challenges of contemporary life.

About the author: Tofa Tavanā was a teacher of Mathematics and Science, school administrator, and leader in professional and instructional science development in Sāmoa for 22 years. He was then appointed director of education for the National Research Institute in Hawaii and Florida. He is currently an academic specialist in teaching and learning and teaches Sāmoan advanced language and culture courses offered by the Center of Language Studies at Brigham Young University.