Twenty new US Peace Corps volunteers have begun a two year service stint in Samoa.
The main focus of the new group is to improve English literacy through teaching and co-teaching the language with local teachers.
Their work will include the development of new educational materials and helping with the planned introduction of a new English curriculum, and in-service teacher training workshops.
The Peace Corps volunteers had to work through 10 weeks of pre-service training which included Samoan language and cultural instruction.
They start teaching in the selected primary schools next year.
This is the 83rd group of from the American Volunteers to serve in Samoa since 1967.