Carolyn Rogers only briefly heard about the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) from a good friend.

It was enough to get her to fly 20 hours from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to Samoa to volunteer at the School of Hope, for the abused children under SVSG’s shelter care.

Sadly, she succumbed lately to a severe illness and her passing has left a big hole in the hearts of the children and staff at the Campus of Hope.

Carolyn was a New Zealander and a qualified primary school teacher.

Carolyn arrived in Samoa in late July 2018 and volunteered at the School of Hope until late August. Her teaching and caregiver experience were obvious in how she dealt with the children.  The children were drawn to her motherly approach to teaching, and she immediately became part of the family.

When Carolyn left in 2018, she promised to return and continue to support the abused children at the School of Hope, with their education. She kept in touch with her SVSG aiga while planning her return to volunteer teaching.

Lately, SVSG received an email noting “We act for the Estate of the late Carolyn Jane Rogers. It was a bequest in her will to donate $5,000 to your organisation.”

It was devastating news for the SVSG family; especially the children at the School of Hope who would have benefited from the motherly teaching of such a beautiful soul.

SVSG President Silliniu Lina Chang said Carolyn’s volunteer spirit has impacted the lives of abused children she has taught at the School of Hope, and are now successfully reintegrated into their families; some have pursued careers outside of Samoa, while others have started families of their own.

“Rest in love, dearest Carolyn. Thank you for serving the Lord cheerfully as a volunteer for the abused and the most vulnerable in the Samoan community. You have blessed us with your cheerful spirit right to the end,” she said.

“Thank you also for including a donation to the Samoa Victim Support Group in your Will, a testament to your promise to support the cause you’ve helped champion.”