Judges impressed with quality of press freedom essay & speech competitions

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 20 May 2026: The Judges of the press freedom school essay, speech and poem competitions were very impressed with the calibre of the students’ presentations.

One of the judges, Enid Westerlund founder of Early Learning Foundation, said the presentations captured the true role of the media and has given her a chance to understand the difficult work and criticism faced by the media.

“When you put your hand up and raise in public, your writing is public and you put your hand up for criticism and expose yourself to negativity,” she said.

“It takes courage to be a writer and to be a media presenter and it also takes full courage to be a journalist” she said.

She said that when you are writing for the public, you also put your hand up for criticism and expose yourself to negativity.

These are some of the elements she picked up from the presentations presented to them.

Another judge, Dr. Taiao Matiu Matavai Tautunu, Director of Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa, reiterated Westerlunds words that every presentation was well prepared and well presented.

Competition dominated by female
One of the areas Westerlund noted was the number of female competitors which reflects on the growing number of female students stepping into leadership roles.

It was also noted that the place getters were mostly female.

“If you are not number one today, it means there are more opportunities to learn,” said Westerlund who is also an aviation specialist, business development expert, fashion designer and social entrepreneur.

She added that judging was based on students’ stage presentations, relevance to the theme, and overall context.

The student winners of the poems, essay and speech competitions on Media freedom in Samoa being celebrated by the National Media Association, JAWS throughout this week.

Poems competition
In the poetry competition, the winner went to Iulieta Pelenato of Apia Primary School on the topic “The importance of the role of the media.”

She received a $500 cash prize, a trophy, a tablet, a $100 top up voucher from Vodafone Samoa.

The second place was awarded to Fatalagi Aluni of Samoa Primary School, who received a $300 cash prize, a trophy and a $100 top up voucher.

Tyra Luatua of Apia Primary School also secured third place, earning a trophy and $100 in prize money.

St. Joseph College scoop essay competition
There were only two entrants for the essay competition, both from St. Josephs College.

The topic was “A better tomorrow for all” and Julius Tafunai won the competition.

He received a $700 cash prize, a trophy, a Samsung A57 5G 256GB and a top-up voucher of $100.

Poasa Toleafoa took second place on the topic “A Free Press, A Peaceful Future”.

He received a $400 cash prize, a trophy and a top-up voucher of $100.

The Media Freedom student competitors, judges and JAWS Executive members after yesterday’s prize giving ceremony at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.

St. Marys College claim speech competition
Desire’eah Petelo of Saint Mary’s College claimed first place in the speech competition and received a $700 cash prize, a trophy, a Samsung phone and a $100 top-up voucher.

Avele Colleges student Hailey Afele took second place and received a trophy, $400 cash, and a $100 top-up voucher.

The third place went to Robert Louis Stevenson College Calista Agaiava received a trophy, a cash prize of $350 and a $100 top-voucher.

Desire’eah, a science student, expressed surprise at her victory.

“I did not expect to win the speech competition. I put a lot of effort into preparing my speech and tried to relate it to the theme. I thank God, my parents, and my family for their support.”

The school competition proved to be an inspiring event, highlighting the talent and courage of Samoa’s young students as they celebrate the importance of press freedom and free expression.

The Judges
The competition judges include Papalii Momoe Malietoa Von-Reiche a well know Samoan writer, poet, artist and owner of the MADD Gallery, Motootua.

Enid Westerlund is the founder of Early Learning Foundation, an aviation specialist, business development expert, fashion designer, and social entrepreneur.

Dr. Taiao Matiu Matavai Tautunu is the Director of Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa.