Education
Avele Old Pupils Association Queensland Donate $20,000 for School Hall
By Lagi Keresoma
Apia, Samoa – 08 January 2024: The Avele College Old Pupil Association (ACOPA) in Queensland has donated $20,000 tala to assist with the building of a new school hall.
Members of ACOPA Queensland handed over the cheque to the Minister for Works Transport & Infrastructure and a former student, Olo Fiti Vaai who is the Chairman of the School Hall Project.
Committee member Leu Alani Ulia acknowledged the funds raised by ACOPA Queensland towards the building project.
He said the Committee decided that it was time to rebuild a hall for the school hence their request to the former students assistance.
He acknowledged ACOPA Queensland for responding and their donation will be put in good use.
ACOPA Queensland President Lemalu Roy Slade said they have fond memories of the school that paved the way for their future and they wanted to give back to the school
The school is gearing up for the 100th anniversary in June and Lemalu said rebuilding the school hall would be one of the milestones for the anniversary celebrations.
“ACOPA Queensland is a small association but their wish is to contribute to the celebration of the school’s anniversary,” said Lemalu.
“The association takes pride in Avele being one of the oldest schools in Samoa.”
Lemalu joined Avele in 1966 at the time the school was led by a palagi headmaster.
He has fond memories of Avele being the school that bred some of Samoa’s best sports athletes under the guidance of Seiuli Paul Wallwork.
Last year, ACOPA Sydney also donated to the rebuilding of the school hall.
The 100th anniversary celebration is expected to bring over former students from around the globe to be part of the celebration.