American Samoa’s Department of Human Resources has described Miss Samoa Haylanni Kuruppu as being resilient and inspiring during her recent book launch in Pago Pago.

The comments were made by Director of Human Resources, Lynn Pulou-Alaimalo as Ms. Kuruppu’s new book “Haylanni, journey to Miss Samoa” was launched last Friday in the U.S. territory. 

Ms. Pulou-Alaimalo said they were fortunate to have Ms. Kuruppu talk about her book and the challenges that she overcame as a young person, especially during her journey in the lead-up to her crowning as Miss Samoa.

“I know that writing and publishing a book requires a lot of hard work and that is resilience. Her resilience can definitely inspire the youth and our participants to remain strong and resilient if they want to be successful” he said.

Ms. Kuruppu was given the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the last session of the Summer Program for the Youth of American Samoa, which is coordinated by the territory's government through the Department of Human Resources.

She said she wanted to empower the youth of American Samoa, especially young women, that they have the self-belief to do whatever they want in life and have faith in the Lord.

“This book is about resilience, being bold and fearless. I recommend my book to young Samoan boys and girls because we can relate," said the current Miss Samoa. "I wish to motivate and inspire them that they are capable of achieving their goals in life if they trust and have faith in the Lord." 

“Haylanni, journey to Miss Samoa” was launched in Apia in June and has drawn a lot of interest from the general public. Local firm Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B.) who have supported Ms Kuruppu’s book also paved the way for her to travel to Pago Pago.

The S.S.A.B. Chief Executive Officer, Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai, travelled with her team to American Samoa to personally assist with the launch of the book.

“I am all for empowering young women and supporting their dreams and goals in life. When Miss Samoa, Haylanni reached out to me for help, I felt her heart and dedication to empowering the youth, the future leaders of our country” said Tofilau.

Miss Samoa’s book “Haylanni, journey to Miss Samoa” is now available at GIAS in American Samoa.

Miss Samoa acknowledged the generosity of the S.S.A.B. C.E.O. for sponsoring her trip to American Samoa and for coordinating the visits and launch with MASI, Barstow Library, the Department of Human Resources and the Department of Youth and Women. 

“I am grateful for C.E.O. Tofilau’s heart to help me with my community projects. There was never a time she turned down any of my requests for assistance, especially coordinating my visits to colleges here in Samoa”, added Ms. Kuruppu.