Improving the learning environment for the theologians of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) inspired former pupils to donate $50,000 worth of equipment to the school's library on Tuesday. 

Members of the Malua Tuai (Society of Malua former students) were present ceremony was held at the Malua Library on Tuesday morning to officially handover the equipment to the Malua Theological College students.

Reverend Elder Asotasi Gu Time, the Chairman of the Board of Malua* who is also the Chairman of the Elders' Committee officiated the service with a prayer to bless the new equipment. 

He also spoke on behalf of the Society of Malua Old pupils about the mantra behind the initiative to donate to the Malua library. 

Said Reverend Elder Asotasi, the C.C.C.S' theological college is the "heart" of the biggest denomination in the country and therefore, they are always willing to help out with the developments in the school, any way they can. 

"We believe that it is our role as fathers of the church to reach out and assist with the development of the college to enhance the learning environment for our students here at Malua," Reverend Elder Asotasi said. 

"The lives of the future ministers of the church are nurtured here, so we are always happy to give what we can get to improve the learning environment of our theologians."

Reverend Dr. Vaitusi Nofoaiga, Principal of Malua Theological College spoke on behalf of the staff and students to acknowledge the generosity and support of Malua-Tuai. 

The new equipment donated by the members of Malua-Tuai, said Reverend Dr. Vaitusi, will improve the learning environment for the students at Malua. 

He also extended his gratitude to the Chairman and Executive of the association for their ongoing support for the development of the Theological College. 

"The resources will help our students and teachers so much and for that we are very grateful," Reverend Dr. Vaitusi said. 

"This is not the first time Malua-Tuai has donated to the school. 

Nonetheless, the Principal said that the new arrival of the new resources is timely, as it will be helpful for the teachers and students as they gear up for the commencement of their Masters of Theology Degree programme which will be offered in Malua starting next year. 

The Chief Librarian of the Malua Library, Reverend Dr. Alesana Pala'amo said that the new equipment is "a blessing" and he is of the view that the new resources "will take things to the next level" for the learners at M.T.C. 

"We are very grateful as the donation will take us to the next level," Reverend Dr. Alesana told the Samoa Observer. 

"We are starting up with our masters programme beginning next year so, having these printers that can actually cater for the needs of not only our normal students, but also for our Masters students, is a blessing. 

"There's quite a shortage of resources available, but to have these equipment will motivate our students to study in our library. 

"The biggest blessing is that Samoa T has been able to help us with creating an atmosphere where our students (would) want to study. 

"Yes, we read the bible and do a lot of activities around the college but our students also look for space where they can reflect and do their own studies. 

"[So] I guess what's important is to improve the study environment for our learners. They are all adult learners and they come from all different walks of life so it's good to have this donation that will take us forward.

Construction for a bigger library in Malua is on the pipeline, said Reverend Dr. Alesanha. 

"That will come; but for the time being, this will see us through until then, it's a blessing for us."

There are currently more than a hundred students enrolled at the Theological College under the supervision of 13 teachers. 

*This is the Executive and Advisory Body which oversees the management of MTC.  As a sub-Committee of the Elders’ Committee, the Board is thus under the authority of and accountable to the former, but with some degree of independent responsibility for the running of the College. Membership of the Board includes the Officers of the Elders’ Committee, all members of the Ministerial sub-Committee (a sub-committee of the preceding body), the Officers of the CCCS General Assembly and the Principal of the College.