Australia Survivor pulls surprise on local school

By Ilia L. Likou 01 July 2017, 12:00AM

There were smiles all around at Fiamalamalama School yesterday thanks to the Australia Survivor crew.

The Crew of the popular reality TV programme turned up with a gift of sporting equipment and cash of $20,000.

During a special assembly, Survivor’s representative Kimmy Boid said the donation is the programme’s way of giving back to Samoa.

The programme is currently filming its second season in Samoa, having had a hugely popular season last year.

 “The art fundraiser was an initiative to give a little something back to Samoa,” Kimmy said.

“We’ve lived here for the last three months filming the Australian Survivor and we are very grateful for the opportunity to host an event to raise funds for a worthy cause.

“The art department are advocates of working together in an inclusive and collaborative way.

“We trust that the funds raised will help strengthen equal opportunity and eliminate barriers to free education for people with disabilities.

School Principal, Sharon Suhren, was extremely grateful.

 “Survivor came out of the blue with the surprise for us, and we are so grateful for what they have done,” Ms. Suhren said.

“They just organised the fundraising and called me to send some information about the school.

“For today, it’s so important for them to come and see the school and the work where the money will go.

“This is how we get the money to carry on the work that we do and it’s not easy.

“From everyone here at Fiamalamalama, we want to take this opportunity to thank the Australian Survivor for the generous donation.  

Aoga Fiamalamalama is a non-profit organization that was established by a group of parents in response to a need for inclusive education in 1979.

“Today, Fiamalamalama continues to fill that void in the area of inclusive education, as there continues to be no other option available.” Shuren said.

 “It has made it a point to provide quality education for persons with a disability by improving its environment and its programs. 

Their key role is to provide a conducive classroom environment for children with intellectual disabilities to learn. “We also have a senior program that we are continually strengthening, that emphasizes pathways for employment for our students with disability. 

“It promotes a greater awareness of the student’s ability and potential when nurtured in the right way.”

By Ilia L. Likou 01 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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