About us

Who we are

About our Aoga Amata

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today: In our preschool, we envision a vibrant, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment that fosters our children’s holistic growth and development. We are deeply committed to reviving and maintaining the richness of the Samoan language, culture, and heritage. Our vision is to ignite a lifelong passion in our children for their cultural roots and the Samoan language, and equip them with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to excel and contribute positively to our global society. We aim to inspire each child to become a proud ambassador of the Samoan culture, and to use our traditional wisdom to navigate the modern world with respect, understanding, and unity. We are cultivating a generation that cherishes its past, celebrates the present, and shapes the future.

Years of Experience

Happy Children

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Professionals

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Why Us

Sara Petesa A’oga Amata, a Samoan language immersion preschool, operates under the auspices of the Otara Samoan Assembly of God Church. Our A’oga serves both the church and the broader community, catering specifically to children of Samoan heritage.

Our Story

Sara Petesa A’oga Amata‘s journey began in 1988, when Pastor Seleni Taoai of the Otara Samoan Assembly of God Church became a grandfather. The birth of his eldest grandson on March 19th, 1988, inspired him to establish a preschool that emphasised the importance of the Samoan language and Christian values. The preschool initially operated within the church building, a guest house, and a garage.

On June 29th of the same year, a dedicated group of mothers from the church initiated the preschool, then known as ‘Petesa Aoga Amata’. Recognising the need for a conducive learning environment, we applied for an Early Childhood Education (ECE) license and a new building in 1999. On February 1st, 2000, we became the first Samoan Assembly of God Church to receive an ECE license from the Ministry of Education, marking the inauguration of our new building.

In 2013, we celebrated our 25th anniversary and chose to rename our preschool “Sara Petesa Aoga Amata” to honour the late Sarai Aiono Taoai. The following year, the council approved a plan for an additional building, which was completed in 2015 and is now an integral part of our campus.

In April 2019, we lost our founder, Rev: Seleni Taoai. His vision and dedication were instrumental in shaping Sara Petesa into the institution it is today, and his legacy continues to inspire us. In May 2019, Rev: Terry Saipani took over as CEO, leading with a focus on strengthening our educational programs and enhancing our community connections.

October 2020 marked the end of an era when Penny Aiga, our centre manager who dedicated 20 years of service, resigned. Her tireless work left an indelible mark on our history. Finally, in November 2020, Aniva Saipani became our new Centre Manager, whose dynamic leadership and commitment to our mission continue to propel our centre forward.

With each new chapter, we honour our past while looking forward to a future filled with possibilities for growth and learning. We remain committed to providing a nurturing and culturally-rich learning environment where every child can flourish.

Our Philosophy:

Nurturing Happy Children, Creating Happy Parents Through the Joy of Samoan Heritage.

Our Mission

Our mission focuses on preserving and promoting the Samoan language and culture, connecting children to their roots while equipping them to contribute confidently and empathetically in a diverse global society. We regard parents as valued partners in this educational journey, emphasising open communication and collaboration. Our engaging, child-centric curriculum nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning, shaping well-rounded individuals who honour their Samoan heritage and approach the future with open hearts and minds.

Meet our Team

Our team at Sara Petesa A’oga Amata is a diverse group of passionate and experienced educators who are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment. Each member brings unique skills and insights, contributing to our rich cultural and educational framework. Our teachers are highly qualified, continually updating their knowledge and skills to provide the best learning experiences for our students. Together, we work to uphold the principles of Sara Petesa A’oga Amata, creating a space where every child feels valued, understood, and excited to learn.