Amerikanisch-Samoa

The islands of American Samoa were settled by Polynesian seafarers thousands of years ago. Oral tradition tells of the powerful Tui Manuʻa, paramount chiefs of the Manuʻa islands whose prestige reached across a wide net…

A weatherproof box where anyone can leave books, toys or kitchen bits and take something else: sustainability can be that simple. What matters is a good spot, permission from the owner or the council, and a few people w…

Not everyone finds smartphones, online bookings or long forms easy. Often a patient half hour is all it takes to help someone. Important: never take over passwords or bank details, go through it together step by step in…

Whether it's a part-time job in a café, delivering leaflets or tutoring: your first job brings not just money but confidence too. Make sure you get a written contract and that your hours fit around school or college. Wh…

A driving licence is a big step towards independence for many, but it takes time and money. Compare offers beforehand, study the theory regularly in small chunks and stay relaxed during lessons. Bikes and public transpo…

Festivals, customs and small rituals connect people across decades. Which tradition in Rose Atoll means the most to you, and do you take part yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!

So many nice things happen that never make the papers: a lost wallet returned, a new shop opening, a lovely celebration. What good news from Rose Atoll would you like to share this week? We look forward to your posts!

A sunrise over the rooftops, a front garden in bloom or a funny sign: home is full of great pictures. Show us your best photo of the week from Rose Atoll and tell us briefly where you took it!

The earliest Western sighting was June 13, 1722, during the voyage of Jacob Roggeveen, who called it Vuil Eiland "useless island". The name Rose Island comes from its sighting by Louis de Freycinet in 1819. He named it …

Rose Atoll, sometimes called Rose Island or Motu O Manu ("Bird Island") by people of the Manu'a Islands, is an oceanic atoll within the U.S. territory of American Samoa. An uninhabited wildlife refuge, it is the souther…

Swains Island, called Olohega in Tokelauan, was probably settled by Polynesian voyagers around the mid-1300s; mounds and a sacred stone still bear witness to that early life. Oral traditions link the atoll to Fakaofo in…

Rose Atoll, known to the people of the Manu'a Islands as Motu O Manu, "Bird Island", owes its English name to French navigator Louis de Freycinet, who sighted it in 1819 and named it after his wife Rose – one of the fir…

When you go on holiday or fall ill, someone needs to look after the cat, dog or rabbit. Neighbours are ideal: short distances and a familiar face for the animal. It's best to meet beforehand for a quick visit. Are you l…

For some older people the trip to the supermarket is hard work, especially when it's icy or very hot. If you're going shopping anyway, it's often easy to pick something up for someone else. A note in the hallway or a qu…

Guitar, drums, singing or beats on your laptop: music brings people together. Many towns have rehearsal rooms, music schools or open-mic nights where you can try things out. And bands are often looking for exactly the i…

Looking for an apprenticeship can feel huge at first. A good start: think about what you enjoy and ask local businesses directly about a work placement. Many companies welcome speculative applications even when nothing …

The weekend is coming and the question is the same as always: what shall we do? Got an idea for a day trip, a concert or simply a lovely afternoon in Swains Island? Drop your tips in the comments!

A good walk clears the head and shows your home from a new angle. Which route do you love most in Swains Island, and roughly how long does it take? Share your favourite loop with us!

Lots of things in town only work because people give their time for free. Where do you volunteer in Swains Island, and where could more helping hands be useful? Tell us about it and inspire others to join in!