The entire village of Fatuvalu Safune on the central north coast of Savai'i was celebrating on Friday following the opening of a new shelter worth nearly $110,000.

Much of the funds were donated by Adventist Development Relief Agency (A.D.R.A.) Samoa. 

The shelter was built under the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (P.A.S.S.A.), a project launched by A.D.R.A. in partnership with Habitat for Humanity New Zealand and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in May 2019. 

The aim of the project is to develop local capacity to reduce shelter risk by raising awareness and developing skills in joint analysis, learning, and decision-making at the community level. 

Having a safe and secure shelter to keep the people of Fatuvalu safe from natural disasters, was the main idea behind the project. 

Samu Mareko of the Latter Day Saints (L.D.S.) church at Fatuvalu officiated the ceremony and blessed the building. 

Asiata Apineru Wright, spoke on behalf of A.D.R.A. not only on the significance of the project but also to congratulate the village of Fatuvalu, for their commitment and hard work that went into the completion of the project. 

In response, the High Chief of the village of Fatuvalu, Peauala Dr. Titi Lamese spoke on behalf of the village to acknowledge the kind assistance of A.D.R.A. and their willingness in the developments of the different villages in the country. 

Peauala said A.D.R.A. donated a total of $49,000 tala to kick start the project. That money was given straight to the company where all the building materials were supplied from. 

Another $1,800 was given from A.D.R.A., increasing their contribuion to $50,800. 

The rest of the money that went into the completion of the project came from donations from people from Fatuvalu both near and far. 

The total cost of the project is $109,700.

Peauala expressed their sincere gratitude to all those who contributed and donated money for the project. 

He believes that the shelter will keep the people of Fatuvalu safe during any natural disasters in the future and promised that they will take good care of the house and finish up any work left to be done. 

He also acknowledged the work put in by the matai, untitled men, women, and children of Fatuvalu. 

Lastly, he paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of sons and daughters from the village of Fatuvalu residing overseas who contributed to the the project. 

Hundreds of families and friends of Fatuvalu from all across the country gathered at Lalononu, Fatuvalu to witness the occasion.