Sustainable Development Goals

The Project

Paul VI College is a Catholic co-educational high school in Leulumoega, Apia, Samoa.

Paul VI College is named after the first pope to visit Samoa during his trip to Australia and the Pacific in 1970. The only rural Catholic secondary school on the main island of Upolu, Paul VI College offers a Catholic education to local families without the cost of having to travel to and from Apia.

Sisters of Mercy from Auckland established a mission in the village of Leulumoega in 1972, in response to an invitation from the Archbishop of Samoa to administer and staff a secondary school for girls. The college has been co-educational since 1992 and while the college retains close ties to the Mercy charism its governance returned to the Diocese of Samoa in December 2014.

The Location

Paul VI College is in Leulumoega (population approx. 1458). Leulumoega is a village situated on the northwest coast of Upolu island. It is 5km from Faleolo International Airport and 25km from Apia, the capital of Samoa.

The Challenge

Samoa faces challenges in providing consistent, high-quality academic education. Many schools lack resources and experienced teachers, impacting students’ learning outcomes. By joining us, you will help bridge this gap, providing valuable expertise and mentorship to students and local teachers.

About You

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified academic teachers with expertise in subjects such as English, Commerce, Science, Information Technology, and other core academic disciplines. The ideal candidate will possess:

  • Relevant qualifications and experience in teaching at a high school level
  • Experience in mentoring teachers, youth, and young adults
  • A commitment to teamwork, coaching, and mentoring others
  • Awareness and sensitivity to cross-cultural settings
  • Patience, tolerance, and flexibility
  • The ability to cope with cultural isolation and different living standards
  • A readiness to work with limited resources in a challenging environment

How You Will Help

Your role will involve ongoing mentoring and support for current teachers over a one to two-year timeframe, enhancing the quality of education and learning outcomes. By teaching students and developing resources for the program, you will leave a lasting impact on the school.

Living Allowance

The monthly living allowance is designed to support a modest local lifestyle, covering food, daily commute, communication, and other local costs. It is not intended to cover financial commitments at home or entertainment expenses. For more details, refer to our FAQ.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided by the school on the school grounds.

Think you have what it takes? Register your interest

    PLEASE NOTE - Successful applicants must be:
    • available to attend an orientation course in Sydney. Palms Australia will not fund international flights and cannot sponsor visas to attend this course.
    • a citizen of Australia or New Zealand or an Australian or New Zealand permanent resident residing in Australia. (Australian or New Zealand citizens residing overseas may be considered on a case-by-case basis).
    • willing to complete a Police Check and a Working With Children Check before commencement of an assignment.