Experience of Samoan Island Children in the 1920s

The experience of Samoan Island children in the 1920s was shaped by various factors including traditional Samoan culture, colonial influences, and limited access to education and healthcare. Here is a detailed explanation of their experience during this period:

1. Traditional Samoan Culture:
- Samoan Island children were raised in a communal environment where extended family and village members played a significant role in their upbringing.
- They were taught traditional values, beliefs, and customs through oral storytelling, songs, and dances.
- Children were encouraged to participate in daily activities such as fishing, farming, and making handicrafts, which helped develop their practical skills and a sense of responsibility.

2. Colonial Influences:
- In the 1920s, Samoa was divided between two colonial powers, the United States and New Zealand.
- The introduction of Western education and Christianity by the colonial powers had a profound impact on the lives of Samoan Island children.
- Many children attended mission schools where they received a combination of religious instruction and basic education in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
- The influence of Western culture started to erode traditional Samoan practices, leading to a shift in the social dynamics and values within Samoan communities.

3. Limited Access to Education:
- Despite the establishment of mission schools, access to education was limited for many Samoan Island children.
- Schools were often located in larger towns, making it difficult for children from remote villages to attend regularly.
- Only a small percentage of Samoan children had the opportunity to pursue higher education or attend secondary schools, which were primarily accessible in urban areas.

4. Limited Healthcare:
- Healthcare facilities and services were limited in the Samoan Islands during the 1920s.
- Many children relied on traditional medicine and remedies passed down through generations.
- In cases of serious illnesses or injuries, families often had to travel long distances to seek medical assistance from Western-trained doctors.

Overall, the experience of Samoan Island children in the 1920s was a blend of traditional Samoan culture and the introduction of Western influences through colonialism. They faced challenges in accessing education and healthcare, but were still deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and community values.

THE FA'A SAMOA CULTURE IS OVER 3000 YEARS OLD AND SAMOAN MYTHOLOGY AND LEGENDS SAY THEY DESCENDED FROM THE GODS AND HEAVENS TO INHABIT THESE ISLANDS. Guided by the stars, the Polynesian ancestors made their way across the Pacific in ocean-faring canoes thousands of years ago.