Moata’a Primary School Launches Digital Animation: Mangroves – Guardians of the Brink

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 17 July 2026 – The Moata’a Primary School, surrounded by a huge mangrove swamp, yesterday launched a new digital animated story called – “Mangroves: Guardians of the Brink”.

The story focuses on mangroves, highlighting their importance to the community, the ecosystem, and marine life.

Mangroves also play a vital role in protecting the shoreline and breaking down strong waves during rough seasons.

This animated story is available in both Samoan and English languages, making it accessible to all children across Samoa and other countries.

The project is a collaboration with Pacific Kids Learning (PKL), a Pacific-led education organization that specializes in digital storytelling and managing the Pacific Digital Library.

PKL created the digital animation resources and worked closely with the Moata’a school principal and staff to bring the story to life.

Pacific Kids Learning Co-Founder and Project Coordinator, Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson.

The Co-Founder of PKL, Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson, emphasized the importance of celebrating local stories and knowledge and utilizing the available technology.

She explained that technology should not replace tradition but rather work alongside it. “Our children are growing up in a digital age; we need to reach them where they are.”

Theresa also highlighted that the educational staff’s ability to create digital resources alongside PKL has now become a reality.

This achievement is part of a broader effort to incorporate digital tools into learning.

Associate Professor, University of Newcastle, Angela Page

According to the University of Newcastle, Associate Professor, Angela Page the animation project is part of a larger cross-cultural storytelling initiative led by the University of Newcastle.

The project was made possible through funding from the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grant Program, which is managed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

University of Newcastle’s Associate Professor Angela Page, from the School of Education, shared her support, noting that this project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on life below water.

The story’s author and Moata’a Primary School Principal, Utumapu Vailili Fialua Tito, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with the University of Newcastle and the support from project managers Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson and Melissa Porter, along with his staff.

The story’s author and Moata’a Primary School Principal, Utumapu Vailili Fialua Tito.

He shared that creating the book and animation gave his team the opportunity to take on new challenges, including research and field trips.

Principal Vailili explained that the title, “Mangroves: Guardians of the Brink” (O leoleo o Tuaoi)”, reflects the crucial role mangroves play in safeguarding the coast.

The book aims to raise awareness about why mangroves should be protected and hopes to promote learning about these vital ecosystems not only in Samoa but across the Pacific.

Principal Vailili shared that this project is a meaningful step toward combining tradition and technology, helping young people learn about their environment and culture in new and engaging ways.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Mangrove: Guardians of the Brink (O leoleo o le tuā’oi) Book/ Digital Animation

Author: Utumapu Vailili Fialua Tito
Adapted By: Pacific Kids’ Learning
Translator: Utumapu Vailili Fialua Tito
Script Editor: Patū Apulu Lance Polu
Animator/ Illustrator/Copyright Publisher:  Pacific Kids’ Learning
Narrators: (English and Samoan): Varghese Palale, Aotearoa Uputaua Le’aupepe, Fa’asega Leilua
Project Managers: Theresa Tupuola- Sorenson and Melissa Porter.