Amoa College in Savai’i has celebrated its 50th anniversary with parents, students and village and church leaders marking the college’s golden jubilee on Thursday.

The college was established in 1971 with its longest serving principal Papali’i Fa’aiutaua Andersen, who stepped down from the position last year, giving a rundown of the educational institution’s historical success.

A parade through the coral coated coastline of the district in Savai’i was part of the occasion. There was also the cutting of a cake donated by the college’s Class of 2006 to mark the golden jubilee.

Pastor Fiu Fa’auma gave a sermon on the humble beginnings of the college and how the faith of the people in the village and the Faasaleleaga No. 4 district built a highly reputable institution. 

He also blessed the leaders and the families who had helped in the development of the college over the years.

Tofa Li’o Loleni, a former member of Parliament and head of the School’s committee, also spoke on the success of the school and the support of the district as well as families, the church and the Government.

Former principal Papali’i, who is now a school support advisor, said the college was built in the center of the district in order to be fair to students who would travel from either end to attend. 

She said it began with a few rooms in 1971 and housed two teachers and a school principal.

The first principal was Iiga Kalapu and the first two teachers were Iiga Fua and Elenise Mapu. The first head girl was Fetu Valeni while the first head boy was Vaeluaga but his last name is not known. 

The school’s other principals since its inceptiopn included Leilua Sakaria Leilua, Uatisone Poka, Fiamalua Pagamalie, Laumoli Pai Aua, Kiriata Lokeni, Laupua Senari Maniti, Tofa Li’o Foleni and Sa’u Salaivao Talagafa Itamua who is the current principal. 

In 1993 the school had nine teachers and one principal while Tofa Li’o Feleni became the school support advisor. The school under the management of Papali’i and the village committee in 1994 requested permission from the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) to sit the Year 11 national exam. Maulupe Sene, who is now a teacher at the school, scored 98 out of 100 in the mathematics exam. He also scored high in the Australian mathematics competition for the same year which was a milestone for the college and the entire district.

In 2001 the M.E.S.C. – through the Education Sector Plan – relayed the decision that the children needed to go to schools in the locations where their parents lived. It was due to a report that indicated the high failure of children to complete their education due to separation from their parents.

In 2004 the M.E.S.C selected Amoa College and three other colleges in Upolu as well as Vaipouli College to teach classes at the Year 13 level. The decision was arrived at due to the success of the teachers and the consistent good grades achieved by the students in the nominated schools. 

A member of the American Peace Corps, who taught computing classes, was instrumental in setting up a computer lab at the school.

Pulefano Uelese was the first Amoa College student to pass the entrance exam for the National University of Samoa’s University Preparatory Year. He now works for the Ministry of Health. Over the years the college has been able to produce church leaders, lawyers, teachers, business people, musicians, police men and women, Assistant Chief executive Officers in the Government sector, media personnel, writers, sports graduates and more. The school has also been part of Samoa’s annual independence celebrations.

Money raised during the celebrations will go towards the school maintenance and things that need further development.