Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The  American Samoa  Environmental Protection Agency  (AS-EPA)  launched the  Lumana'i Initiative in support of this year's Earth Day theme, ''Invest in our Islands - Utuvai i lo tatou Atunu'u." Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from various high schools across the Territory participated in the week-long virtual enrichment program from April25-29. 2022. The Initiative focused on promoting environmental awareness and stewardship and also served as a forum to encourage and inspire students to pursue studies in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).

Through the Lumana'i Initiative, students were able to learn about the history of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). the establishment of AS-EPA and the Agency's mandate. Students also learned about various environmental topics such as drinking water, surface water. solid waste. pesticides.air quality. and hazardous materials in addition to the various environmental laws and regulations that drive these programs.

 Some participants were concerned about the accumulation of trash and showed great interest in environmental issues and are hopeful for solutions. The Initiative concluded with a guest speaker session by Commander Elena Vaouli. a U.S. Public Health Service Officer currently assigned to EPA Region 9 as the Pacific Islands Office Lead. Commander Vaouli encouraged the students to learn from their failures, see the advantage ofbeing disadvantaged, and to make time to know themselves. Commander Vaouli also reflected on her early years of public service where she began as an AmeriCorps volunteer working for AS-EPA as a Lab Technician and Water Program Manager.

Director Lefega Fa'amao Asalele Jr. expressed his sincere appreciation to the students for taking advantage of the Lumana'i Initiative to learn more about the environment. He emphasized the importance of having a  connection with  the environment and reminded  the students that, ownership is the first step towards stewardship and we should all strive to take action now and continue to invest in our islands.