The woman behind the Prime Minister during his regular media updates is Noue Mavaega. With over 10 years of experience in her field of expertise Ms Mavaega is more than a Sign Language Interpreter, but also the Policy and Research Coordinator with Nuanua o le Alofa, (NOLA).
NOLA is the recognized national civil society disability focal point for Samoa advocating for the voice of persons with disabilities and mandated to work closely with Government and Development Partners to ensure equal opportunity and inclusiveness for all.
Ms Noue Mavaega has a Certificate IV in Applied Science from the Auckland University of Technology as well as a Certificate III in Disability from the Australian Pacific Coalition-Samoa. She is responsible for leading the development of Nuanua O Le Alofa’s Shadow Report on the CRPD in Samoa.
Noue says she is fluent in Samoan, English, and Auslan Sign Language.
“I am an enthusiastic and reliable team player with a positive and proactive approach to my work. And the honour is mine to serve as sign interpreter for Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi,” she said in a Government press statement.
“It’s a dream come true for anyone in our profession”, said Ms Mavaega.
Her work experience in the last decade (published below) speaks volumes;
- Teacher of Children with Disabilities 2019
FIAMALAMALAMA SCHOOL, Alafua, Samoa
• Design inclusive and accessible lessons plans for children with disabilities
• Work with parents to develop support plans for children with disabilities
• Interpreted into sign language as required.
- Sign Language Interpreter 2018
• Interpreted for Nuanua O Le Alofa during their community and school visits as part of their outreach programs
• Interpreted for DFAT community consultations with people with disability as part of their design process for the Samoa Disability Partnership Program
• Interpreted TV news for TV1, TV3 and EFSK annually in commemoration of International Week of the Deaf.
Parent Advisor | Sign Language Interpreter 2014 – 2017 SENESE, Samoa
• Interpreted TV news for TV1, TV3 and EFSK annually in commemoration of International Week of the Deaf.
• Design inclusive and accessible lessons plans for children with disabilities
• Work with parents to develop support plans for children with disabilities
• Interpreted into sign language as required.
Sign Language Interpreter 2011 SENESE, Samoa
• Received on-the-job training in Sign Language from Donna Lene – a qualified sign language interpreter.
• From 2012, interpreted TV news for TV1, TV3 and EFSK annually in commemoration of International Week of the Deaf.
• Interpret for children who are deaf in class room settings, for teachers, parents and fellow students.
- Interpreted official proceedings into sign language on behalf of Nuanua O Le Alofa at the 84th Extraordinary Session on the Convention of the Rights of the Child in Samoa in March 2020.
- Nola Mavaega is the PMs sign language interpreter
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