Samoa University employs blind lecturer

Samoa's National University has employed a fulltime lecturer with a disability for the first time.

Faaolo Utumapu was born blind and graduated with a Masters in Communications and Media studies from Monash University in Australia.

Ms Utumapu has worked as a broadcast journalist and editor in the past before working for the Nuanua o le Alofa organisation for the development of the people with disabilities in Samoa.

RNZ reports she was also awarded Disability Champion in 2015 at the local human rights awards.

The National University of Samoa's Vice Chancellor Professor Fui Dr Lau Asofou So'o said they were happy to have Ms Utumapu join the faculty.

"The university welcomes Faaolo on board and looks forward to her contribution to the teaching of the programme and also so the university is true to its commitment for inclusive education."

Ms Utumapu will be working in the Media and Journalism department.

Photo: Faaolo Utumapu
Source: Radio New Zealand