Jasmine Evara-Koria, Educator and Project Lead

Talofa lava!

My name is Jasmine!

I am an Educator, Writer and Masters student. I am passionate about promoting reading and creative writing to improve literacy rates, critical thinking and conversations about critical but complex social issues in Samoa and the Pacific.

I believe that education in the Islands should be accessible, meaningful and relevant to our communities. I strive to create learning experiences grounded in Pacific knowledge and heritage, and culturally relevant and appropriate. As a Polynesian teacher, I am passionate about providing students with the opportunity to learn about their culture and heritage through the lens of their own cultural values and identities. I believe that this is an essential part of creating a meaningful, and empowering, education experience for our students. As such, I strive to create a learning environment that celebrates and honours Pacific knowledge, culture, and heritage. By doing so, I am not only sharing knowledge, but also creating an inclusive and supportive environment for my students to explore and grow as individuals.

As a Masters student, I have found learning in such an environment incredibly meaningful and inspiring. I have explored and developed my understanding of our local community in a safe and supportive space. Through this, I've gained a deeper understanding of the world, developed both personally and academically, as well as developed my skills as an educator so I can better connect with my students and impart knowledge.

As Shiv Nadar, an Indian billionaire, once said:

“Education is and will be the most powerful tool for individual and social change, and we must do all that it takes to facilitate it.”

In a world that is increasingly reliant on modern technology and the internet, I wanted to work with like-minded young professionals who are equally passionate about educational equity and the future of learning. Being a part of Global Shapers was the most ideal fit for me.

This may sound cliche but there is a quote that sums up my passion for education accuarately:

“They who teach are able to touch and shape the future” - Annonymous

Jasmine with some of her students at NUS, preparing for a stage production in 2020.