‘Education is the key’

By Sarafina Sanerivi 14 February 2016, 12:00AM

Faleapuna Primary School is the recipient of a generous donation from the Nicholls family of New Zealand. Two sewing machines, lap tops and printers were presented to the school on Friday. 

The donor, Tuitoga Carlos, who is a descendant of Faleapuna, visited the village last year and from there, he saw that there was a great need to develop the Primary School at Faleapuna. 

Friday’s donation is the beginning of many donations to help develop the school.

Tuitoga is the son of Taito Shane Faitele, whose father is Samoan. They are from the family of Taito Te’o Faitele Afamasaga at Faleapuna. 

Tuitoga was not there on Friday but his father Taito presented the gifts on his behalf. 

“I am very privileged to be here today,” said Taito. “This is my second time visiting home and I am very happy to be here today and to see all the children and the people of my village.”

Taito said they are prioritizing the development of education because it opens doors for the children to enjoy a prosperous future. 

“Investing in the children is investing in the future and that is why my family and particularly my son is focusing in the development of the school here.”

Though they are based in New Zealand and have lived there for most of their lives, Taito said their hearts are in Samoa and that they are willing to help develop their village. 

“I am grateful to my uncle Taito Faitele, for helping me discover my roots and for helping me learn about our ‘Fa’a-Samoa.’ We are blessed to have Samoan blood in our veins and we will do what we can to help develop our families and villages.”

The president of the Women’s Committee, Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o, spoke on behalf of the school Principal to thank Taito Shane and his family for the generous donations.

“We are very grateful for kindly donating these equipments for our school,” she said. 

The President also thanked them for offering to continuously support the school with whatever they need.

“This is the start of a close relationship with your family and we look forward to the future.”

In exchange, Taito and his family received traditional handmade gifts from the women’s committee.

 

By Sarafina Sanerivi 14 February 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>