Avele College

Avele College is competing in the international Knockout style competition that pits teams head-to-head to build robots and display their scientific knowledge. 

Avele Association President, Muliagatele James Ah Wais said they are teaming up with Samoa Information Technology Association or S.I.T.A. for the competition.

The 'For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology' international challenge has drawn more than 200 competing teams this year. 

F.I.R.S.T. Global is a United States-based not-for-profit organisation established by the founder of F.I.R.S.T.

Avele won the men’s division while Aana won the women’s division.

Seven colleges including Leififi College, Paul VI College, Maluafou College, Saint Joseph’s College and Sagaga College participated in the competition.

All the colleges received gold medals in various categories.

The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture organized the one-day competition at the Samoa Weightlifting Federation Gym 2 in Tuanaimato.

The Samoa Observer reported the incident happened last week after two students were expelled from school.

The pair had reportedly misbehaved in class and were promptly expelled from Avele, one of two government colleges now being run as charter schools.

They were then alleged to have tried to beat the teacher up.

The school principal Matafeo Reupena Matafeo confirmed the attack but would not discuss what happened.

He said the matter was with the police.

He said Avele College had zero tolerance of bullying.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi did not mince his words in a special address to the students at the reopening yesterday.   

"We, the government were going to shut Avele forever because it has disgraced the name of the Government of Samoa and the entire country, because of your disgraceful actions."

"You have declined to a level of behavior the same as animals," he said.

"Even the police officers, sworn protectors of our country, you have challenged, in an act of terrorism and complete disrespect," added Prime Minister Tuilaepa.

The meeting relates to the recent spate of brawls involving students of the college as well as other schools in downtown Apia.

Last week, Government closed the college indefinitely due to increasing acts of violence involving students.

At his weekly press conference, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said the school may be closed permanently.

This morning’s meeting was to draft and pass a proposal that aims to resolve the problem involving Avele College students.

Cabinet will discuss the proposal this afternoon and decide about the fate of the college.

"The threats made by Avele College students to other schools, teachers and colleges have caused widespread panic and the deployment of police riot operations," said the release.

Avele College students recently brawled with students from Malua fou College. A bus with several Avele students was stoned by Malua fou students last Friday.

Several students from both schools have been reportedly been arrested and charged by the police.

Members of the public have taken to Social Media like Facebook to express their views about the indefinite closure of Avele College.