A former student of Leifiifi College returned to his old school Tuesday to donate rugby league jerseys, urging students to stay in school and promote respect and unity in their communities.

Vaa Lauvao, who now lives in Canberra, Australia, presented the jerseys during a school assembly, describing the moment as deeply emotional.

“It all started from a conversation with my Rugby League club president, Paul Callaway, who offered to donate jerseys for my trip to Samoa,” Lauvao said. “I gratefully accepted the opportunity to serve at any school in my homeland, especially through sports. Our motivation was to give something meaningful to the children and bring smiles to their faces.”

Standing before the students, Lauvao said he struggled to find the right words.

“I was filled with emotion when I spoke in front of the students; seeing all the kids respectfully attentive made me feel like I had been missing something from my heart for a long time,” he said. “I can’t fully describe how I felt, especially sharing this moment with my daughter Tylaina, who saw where I grew up and witnessed the things I love. I felt overwhelmed and blessed from above.”

In his address, Lauvao encouraged students to value respect, caring and love for their communities, churches, villages and families.

“My message at the end of the assembly was about respect, caring and love for the community, churches, villages, families, and especially oneself,” he said. “I urged students to stay in school and to stop violence.”

Lauvao said sports played a major role in shaping his life before he moved to Canberra at age 14.

“Growing up in Samoa, I was passionate about rugby and volleyball, even playing with simple flat balls,” he said. “Although we now have everything we need in Australia, giving sports equipment and uniforms to Samoa is vital because many young people there lack such resources. It’s a wonderful way to support their dreams and well-being.”

He said he hopes the jerseys will not only help students on the field but also inspire them to pursue their education and personal goals.